Cautious optimism for the year ahead, after a mixed 2026.

Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism (IAAT) brought its End of Season Tourism Forum to the beautiful Fota Island Resort in Cork, providing an important opportunity for over 70 tourism professionals to reflect on the 2026 season and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the industry in 2027.

The forum’s programme focused on some of the most pressing issues affecting Irish tourism, including changing visitor trends, the growing influence of artificial intelligence, insurance challenges, outdoor education, and the importance of accessibility and inclusivity.

The event featured an impressive line-up of industry leaders, including Jenny DeSaulles of Fáilte Ireland, Seamus Heaney of Visit Cork, Brendan Kenny, CEO of IAAT, and Eimear Flanagan, Chair of IAAT.

A central theme was the importance of collaboration, innovation and adapting to an evolving tourism landscape. With Cork and the wider region offering exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism, the forum highlighted the value of continued investment, industry partnerships and sustainable growth.

Events such as this demonstrate the important role IAAT plays in connecting tourism businesses, representing the adventure tourism sector and encouraging conversations that help shape its future.

Looking towards 2027, the message is clear: collaboration, adaptability and innovation will be essential to ensuring Ireland remains a competitive and compelling adventure tourism destination.

Find out more about IAAT and its upcoming events at www.iaat.ie.