10 climate threats to tourism billions

Our Iconic coastlines and sites at risk

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POUR SHOW Flooding is flagged as a top threat

IRELAND'S vital tourism sector has to urgently confront the risks from a changing climate.

That's the message from the State's first-ever adaptation plan for the sector that is a cornerstone of the economy and employs over 228,000 people.

The release of Ireland's first Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP) marks a pivotal moment, signifying a shift from worrying about the threat to building resilience against a future defined by warmer temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events.

The economic stakes are undeniable. In 2024, Ireland attracted 6.6 million overseas visitors, generating an estimated €8.2 billion in revenue, with domestic trips contributing a further €3.6 billion.

Protecting this economic engine is the primary objective of the new SAP, which seeks to maintain Ireland's attractiveness as a holiday destination while safeguarding the communities reliant on tourism.

Recent history serves as a stark reminder of the risks. The disruption caused by storms in 2024 and 2025 underscored the immediate vulnerability of infrastructure and operations.