Half of Irish people want the tourism industry to grow, as BDO Ireland research finds strong support for its economic and local contribution.
New BDO Ireland and Amárach Research findings show strong public support for tourism, with 76% saying the industry benefits their local region or town and 44% identifying its economic contribution as its biggest benefit.
The Irish public sees tourism as a key economic driver, with half of people saying they want the industry to grow, according to new research from BDO Ireland in partnership with Amárach Research.
“The message from the Irish public is that people recognise tourism as an important contributor to our economy”
The findings show that 44% of respondents rank tourism among Ireland’s top three economic sectors, with pharmaceuticals ranked first, followed by agriculture, the food sector and tourism.
Perceived economic value
Perceptions of tourism’s economic value are lower among younger age groups.
The importance of the sector is particularly evident at a local level. Just under half of respondents said tourism is important to their local area, while 76% believe it brings benefits to their region or town.
Some 44% identified economic benefits as tourism’s main contribution. A further 15% highlighted the pride it generates in local attractions, while 13% cited job creation as the biggest benefit to their area.
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Public support for further growth in the sector is also strong. Half of respondents said they would like to see a larger tourism industry in Ireland, compared with 11% who would like the industry to become smaller.
Austin Hickey, Ireland director, said: “The message from the Irish public is that people recognise tourism as an important contributor to our economy and to communities right across the country, and there is a strong appetite to see the sector grow.
“The 44% who identify economic benefits as tourism’s greatest contribution underlines the importance of the sector not just to tourism businesses themselves, but to the wider Irish economy and to towns and regions across the country.”
Cost remains a concern for Irish tourism
Price and cost emerged as a recurring concern in the research.
When respondents were asked to identify one thing they would change about Irish tourism, 29% selected “lower prices”.
The findings point to value for money as an important issue for the sector as it seeks to realise its full potential.
Ireland’s reputation for hospitality remains strong among respondents. More than half believe the country continues to offer visitors the traditional “céad míle fáilte”.
Some 67% also believe Ireland provides visitors with a unique or authentic experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
Michael McLoughlin, CEO of Amárach Research, said: “What stands out most in this research is the immense public goodwill toward Ireland’s tourism sector. People right across the country actively want to see the industry grow, recognising the genuine economic vitality and local pride it brings to their communities.
“Beginning with our reputation for genuine hospitality and warmth, there is a remarkably strong, supportive foundation here for the sector to build on and thrive.”
FAQ: Ireland retains its ‘céad míle fáilte’
What do Irish people think about the importance of tourism?
The research found that tourism is viewed as an important pillar of the Irish economy. Some 44% of respondents ranked tourism among Ireland’s top three economic sectors, while 76% believe tourism benefits their local region or town.
How many Irish people want the tourism industry to grow?
Half of respondents, 50%, said they would like to see a larger tourism industry in Ireland. Some 11% indicated that they would prefer a smaller industry.
What are the main benefits of tourism in Ireland?
Some 44% of respondents identified economic benefits as tourism’s main contribution. A further 15% highlighted the pride it generates in local attractions, while 13% cited job creation as the biggest benefit to their area.
What is the biggest concern about Irish tourism?
Price and cost emerged as a key concern. When asked what one thing they would change about Irish tourism, 29% of respondents said “lower prices”.
Does Ireland still have a reputation for hospitality?
More than half of respondents believe Ireland continues to offer visitors the traditional “céad míle fáilte”. The research also found that 67% believe Ireland provides a unique or authentic experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
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