The Council meets in the Tourism Sector in order to make decisions on common policies and approaches in the area of tourism. It also takes decisions on policies and actions to be implemented by Tourism Ireland CLG, a publicly owned limited company established to promote the island of Ireland overseas as a tourist destination and to support Northern Ireland to realise its tourism potential. Tourism Ireland works closely with the two tourist boards, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI, and with its partners in the tourism industry, to deliver its remit.
The initial agreed work programme includes:
- Planning and delivering international tourism marketing programmes, including programmes in partnership with the industry North and South.
- Publication and dissemination in overseas markets of information of a balanced and comprehensive nature on the island of Ireland as a tourist destination, which must reflect the diverse traditions, forms of cultural expression, and identities within the island.
- Market research, provision of information and other appropriate assistance to help the industry develop international marketing expertise.
- Co-operation with, consulting, and assisting other bodies or associations in carrying out such activities.
- Carrying out surveys and collecting relevant statistics and information.
In 2024 the Council agreed an addendum to the work programme for the Tourism Sector. This included a Joint Ministerial Statement supporting Sustainable Tourism and the establishment of a Joint Strategic Coordination Group to identify and examine opportunities that will support the sustainable growth of the tourism sector across the island.
The Chairperson of Tourism Ireland CLG is Christopher Brooke and the Vice Chairperson is Karen Sugrue Hennessy. The Chief Executive is Alice Mansergh.
You can view Tourism Sector Joint Communiques in the Publications section.