Ireland welcomed almost 3.9 million overseas visitors in the first seven months of 2026, a 13% increase on the same period last year, according to the latest Central Statistics Office figures.
However, tourism spending remains below 2024 levels, raising concerns about the value being generated by the increase in visitor numbers.
The figures come as Ireland’s tourism industry faces rising operating costs, changing travel patterns and growing competition from other European destinations.
Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO, ITIC, at the launch of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) Annual Conference 2026. Pic: Brian McEvoy
ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh said the figures provided ‘cause for cautious optimism’ but warned that recent growth could not be taken for granted.
‘There is growing evidence that the tourism season is softening and we have still not moved beyond 2024 revenue levels,’ he said.
In July, 676,300 overseas visitors travelled to Ireland, while international visitors spent €681 million — up 9% year-on-year.
Tourism contributes €11.2 billion annually to the Irish economy, generates €3.3 billion in tourism-related taxes and supports around 229,400 jobs.
Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO, ITIC, Alice Mansergh, CEO, Tourism Ireland,Caroline Bocquel, CEO, Fáilte Ireland and David McNamara, Chief Economist, AIB, at the launch of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) Annual Conference 2026. Pic: Brian McEvoy
O’Mara Walsh welcomed the lifting of the Dublin Airport passenger cap and highlighted a new China Eastern service from Shanghai as an example of Ireland diversifying its tourism markets.
But he said the key challenge was now increasing the value of tourism.
‘The next question for Irish tourism is not simply how many people come here, but how we grow the value of tourism sustainably,’ he said.
He called for greater efforts to encourage visitors to stay longer, travel outside peak season and spend in towns and communities across the country.
The challenges facing the sector will be discussed at the ITIC Annual Conference at The Convention Centre Dublin on 1 October.
The conference, themed ‘Adjust, Adapt, Accelerate: Irish Tourism in Uncertain Times’, will bring together figures including Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh, Fáilte Ireland CEO Caroline Bocquel, US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S. Walsh and AIB Chief Economist David McNamara.
Discussions will focus on Ireland’s tourism competitiveness, the economy, international markets, AI, workforce changes and the future of the sector.