Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the proposals to support the tourism sector due to a decrease in tourism in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21593/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am conscious that the reported number of overseas visitors in early 2025 is down in comparison with last year. Recent CSO figures show a 15% reduction in the number of overseas visitors in March 2025 compared to the corresponding month in 2024. The CSO figures for the first three months of the year show a 23% reduction. To put things in context, however, it's important to remember that the first quarter of the year is traditionally amongst the quietest periods for overseas visitors. Last year, 21% of our total visitors arrived in the first three months. It is notable that when comparing March 2025 to March 2023, visitor numbers are in fact up by 4% while associated revenue is also slightly up (+1%).

While the figures at face value are disappointing, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic as we enter the peak tourism season. In this regard, it’s worth remembering we’re coming off the back of a strong year for tourism in Ireland, where overseas visitors spent over €6 billion, representing an increase of 11% compared with 2023. Furthermore, I understand that sentiment from the tourism sector itself is positive, with research showing that 39% of businesses anticipate an increase in visitor levels this year, while 47% expect growth in overseas visitors.

This Government is committed to growing Ireland’s tourism industry and, through support for Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, we will continue to showcase Ireland as a high-quality and accessible destination for both national and international visitors.

The Programme for Government sets out the Government's ambitious plans to strengthen and enhance the tourism sector. The Tourism Policy Framework 2025 – 2030 was published by the previous Government last November. I understand that my colleague, Minister Peter Burke, to whom ministerial responsibility for tourism will soon be transferring by Government Order, has asked officials to consider how commitments in the Programme for Government align with the Policy Framework and to prioritise the finalisation of a new Tourism Policy which reflects the Programme for Government and other Government priorities.

Fáilte Ireland continues to build the appeal of destinations across Ireland by supporting the ongoing development and delivery of exceptional visitor experiences and attractions across the country, with a range of projects set to be completed nationwide in 2025. Fáilte Ireland investment in destination development, capital projects, marketing, and festivals across the country will drive visitors directly to destinations and businesses this year.

Tourism Ireland, the organisation responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination, is focused on driving demand through its extensive global marketing campaigns for the rest of the year – from high-impact advertising and digital promotions to compelling travel documentaries. Tourism Ireland will continue to take an agile approach in the development of strategic partnership activity to maximise opportunities for growth in new and developing overseas markets. The organisation actively showcases compelling reasons to visit Ireland, anchored in data as to what is most compelling for today’s visitors. Tourism Ireland works closely with air and sea partners, as well overseas travel trade partners, to support access and drive bookings, ensuring that the island of Ireland can compete as a ‘must-visit’ destination.