Tourism & Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference 2026

Last Friday morning, I had the honour of officially opening the Tourism & Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference (THRIC) in TU Dublin, Grangegorman.

It was a timely and important gathering — bringing together researchers, educators, policy-makers and industry leaders to focus on the future of tourism and hospitality in Ireland. In a city like Dublin, tourism is more than an economic sector. It shapes the feel of our streets, the strength of our neighbourhoods, and the way our capital is experienced by both visitors and the people who call it home.

That is why, in my remarks, I linked the work of THRIC to my mayoral theme of Celebrating Dublin — and the three pillars that guide my term as Lord Mayor: a Living City, an Active City, and an Engaged City.

A Living City is one where growth supports quality of life: where tourism is managed in a way that respects local communities, protects what makes Dublin distinctive, and strengthens liveability for residents. An Active City is one that is easy to move around and easy to enjoy — with welcoming public spaces, strong cultural life, and a city centre that works from morning to night. An Engaged City is one where progress is built through partnership: between communities and businesses, between education and industry, and between policy-makers and the evidence that research provides.

Tourism can be an immense positive force, but experiences across Europe remind us it also requires thoughtful, long-term management — particularly around sustainability, congestion, housing pressures and the overall balance of city life. That is why research matters. It helps us understand what works, measure impact honestly, and shape policy that is grounded in evidence rather than short-term metrics.

TU Dublin’s long tradition of excellence in tourism and hospitality education — and the focus on sustainability and stewardship within its programmes — is a real asset to Dublin and to Ireland. I want to thank the THRIC organising team and everyone who participated for the work you are doing to inform and guide the sector’s future.

If Dublin is to thrive, we must make sure the city works well for the people who live here — because when Dublin works for locals, it becomes an even better experience for everyone who visits.