Ireland's tourism sector can be worth €15 billion annually by 2030 - that is the vision outlined by the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation in a new report.
The report includes 38 recommendations, projecting an annual contribution of €3.5 billion in direct tourism-related taxes to the exchequer.
"It is our view that by 2030 Ireland will have become one of Europe's preferred destinations for sustainable nature, culture and hospitality-based tourism experiences; will exceed the expectations of its widening customer visitor base; and will be a destination renowned for its hospitality that is delivered by well trained and rewarded career professionals," the report states.
The ITIC is holding an event in Athlone to coincide with the publication of the data.
At the event, it called for the tourism sector to move to the Department of Enterprise, from the Media and Culture portfolio, and it wants to see a 15% increase in tourism budgets from the Government.
It also wants a plan from Government on how its dependence on hotels and guesthouses for refugees will be lessened.
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin said that the ITIC report would be considered as part of the National Tourism Policy to be published later this year, but she would not be drawn on budgetary matters including industry's call for the restoration of the 9% tourism VAT rate.
New Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern were among the speakers at today's tourism conference.
