Tourism

It is worth noting, however, that research in this area suggests remote working – despite the many benefits - may not have the impact on emissions that was initially anticipated. Trends in remote working will need to be closely monitored to fully appreciate the level of potential it could have – or otherwise – in reducing transport demand as reflected in research insights from the ESRI’s NDP Report (2024).

vehicles are also ICE vehicles meaning these journeys are contributing to our carbon emissions. In addition to car rental, approximately 600,000 holidaymakers use private coach hire as part of a package or group holiday. Government is already working with businesses to assist them in working to achieve more sustainable business practices. For example, Fáilte Ireland provided tourism businesses with the Carbon Calculator for Businesses19 while ZEVI are working with the car rental industry to support the move to zero-emissions vehicles, as well as working on destination charging at major tourist attractions.

Tourism

Tourism is also a significant contributor to the Irish economy in terms of revenue raised by tourists visiting Ireland but also in terms of the number of jobs it creates in Ireland. In 2019, the tourism sector generated approximately €9.5 billion in revenue17 and supported an estimated 284,800 full-time equivalent jobs18. That said, tourism is a significant generator of trips. In economic terms, tourism remains hugely important and provides a significant contribution to the Irish Exchequer. In 2024, there were 6.6 million overseas visitors to Ireland, resulting in €6 billion in export revenue, while the total value of domestic overnight trips by residents in Ireland was estimated at €3.6 billion. It is estimated that Ireland’s tourism sector accounts for around 3.7% of all tax revenue.

As well as inbound tourists, those that are outbound also generate significant travel activity, particularly when travelling from large transport hubs like Dublin Airport and Dublin Port. For example, Dublin Airport facilitated more than 36.4 million passengers in 202520, split relatively evenly between departures and arrivals. It is critical that appropriate steps are taken to encourage sustainable travel choices, and discourage private car use, among all the millions of people travelling to and from such hubs. In 2024, almost 41 million passengers were collectively handled by the airports of Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Kerry, and Knock21.

The Tourism Policy Statement contains a section dedicated to reducing emissions in transport, and notes that increasing the use of public and active transport by tourists is critical to achieving decarbonisation in the sector. It advises that larger tourism attractions will examine the feasibility of using sustainable transport modes and that tourism agencies will explore the development of an online tool to enable decarbonised touring. Among the measures cited as helping to reduce transport emissions are orientation plans for tourists, and the integration of transport and access measures into all Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs).

The National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, sets out a clear strategic direction for the sector to 2031. The policy prioritises increasing visitor numbers, boosting revenue, and supporting employment. It reinforces tourism’s role in balanced regional development, focusing on less mature areas and unlocking rural potential through targeted investment in tourism infrastructure. It promotes sustainable transport for visitors, encouraging public transport, active travel, and low-carbon options while ensuring convenient access to key attractions.

Transport is one of the first experiences tourists will have when visiting Dublin, highlighting the importance of direct links to Dublin City Centre. An easy to use, attractive public transport system is important in influencing how visitors opt to travel and see Ireland. While the majority of tourists staying in Dublin use public transport for their stay, 33% of visitors to Ireland use the car option if travelling beyond Dublin. Most rented

Similarly, large sporting events, festivals and conferences are a major generator of tourism activity and revenue but also travel demand, some of which can be managed with carbon and other impacts mitigated with proper planning, tools and guidance.

17 Failte Ireland - Key Tourism Facts, 2019

18 CSO - Irish Tourism Sector, 2019

19 Climate Toolkit 4 Business

20 https://www.daa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/daa-Monthly-Statistics-December-2024.pdf

21 Aviation Statistics Quarter 4 and Year 2023 - Central Statistics Office