News

A new industry survey suggests a confident outlook for Ireland’s travel sector heading into 2026, underpinned by strong profitability and rising revenues across much of the industry.

According to the latest Annual Industry Barometer from the Irish Travel Agents Association, 86% of respondents reported that their business made a profit last year. Nearly half of travel firms recorded higher revenues, while 41% achieved year-on-year growth, pointing to sustained demand for overseas travel.

Speaking about the findings, Clare Dunne said the results reflect a continued appetite among Irish consumers for holidays abroad. She noted that travel offers people something positive to look forward to at a time when political uncertainty, economic pressures and negative news remain prominent.

Despite the positive trading environment, uncertainty continues to weigh on the sector. Political developments were identified as the primary concern by 70% of respondents, while almost all participants expect price increases across travel products in the year ahead. Rising payroll costs and the introduction of pension auto-enrolment were also highlighted as areas of concern, with many agents still unclear about the full financial impact.

Weather-related disruption was another challenge raised in the survey. Ms Dunne pointed out that travel agents often find themselves at the forefront of responding to unexpected events, from IT outages to extreme weather, supporting customers throughout periods of disruption.

The optimistic sentiment within the industry aligns with recent data from the Central Statistics Office. Figures for December showed tourist numbers and spending rising by more than 30% compared with the same period a year earlier. This growth coincided with a significant increase in departing passenger numbers, particularly through Dublin Airport.

Outbound travel trends also remain encouraging. Household survey data recorded 4.6 million outbound trips during the third quarter of last year, while Spain continued to be the most popular destination for Irish travellers, attracting 2.9 million visitors over the course of the year.

Taken together, the survey and official data point to a travel sector that remains resilient and optimistic, even as it navigates cost pressures and an uncertain global backdrop.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.