Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch today of A New Era for Irish Tourism – National Tourism Policy Statement, which he unveiled with Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister Peter Burke and Minister Norma Foley.

Minister Canney said the policy sets a clear direction for tourism growth over the next five years, with a strong focus on regional development and supporting the thousands of SMEs that depend on tourism nationwide.

“This policy ensures tourism works for every part of Ireland,” he said. “For Galway and the wider Western region, it represents a major opportunity to grow visitor numbers, extend the tourism season and support local jobs.”

The policy includes 71 actions to boost innovation, strengthen Ireland’s food and cultural offering, expand digital capability and ensure sustainable, resilient tourism growth.

Key national targets include growing overseas tourism revenue to €9 billion by 2031, increasing domestic tourism to €5.8 billion, boosting visitor numbers to less mature regions, and reaching 250,000 tourism jobs.

Minister Canney said the policy gives the West a renewed platform for growth: “Galway’s culture, landscapes and communities are central to Irish tourism. This strategy will help unlock more of that potential and deliver regional development.”

He thanked Minister Burke and his Department for leading the development of the policy and said he was delighted to help launch it today.