The annual conference of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) took place this year on October 1st 2026 at The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD).
The flagship tourism industry event of the year had the theme “Adjust, Adapt, Accelerate: Irish Tourism in Uncertain Times” and included a stellar line up of contributors. The conference was kindly sponsored by anchor partners Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and AIB,
The conference was once again be moderated by award-winning broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald and speakers included Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD; Chair of ITIC Anne O’Donoghue; US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh; Caitríona Perry, Fáilte Ireland CEO Caroline Bocquel; Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh; Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission; Misa Labarile of the EU Commission; Des McCann of Dalata Hotel Group; Kate English, Chief Economist at Deloitte; Employment trends expert Peter Cosgrove; acclaimed chef Donal Skehan; Robert Watt, CEO of the Dublin City Taskforce; and ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh.
Thank you to all those who attended and who made it such a memorable day. See highlights and event information below.
VIDEOS
Opening session – Welcome by moderator Dearbhail McDonald, video review of 2026 so far and opening address by ITIC Chair Anne O’Donoghue.
This video was shown as part of opening session and reviews how the Irish tourism sector has fared so far in 2026.
Dearbhail in conversation with Ambassador Edward S. Walsh, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.
40 UNDER 40 – in association with Business Plus – forty of Irish tourism’s young leaders are celebrated with finalists and winner revealed.
Five days ahead of Budget 2027, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD in fireside chat with Dearbhail.
Video address by Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection.
Panel discussion – ‘Irish tourism and the EU presidency’
‘Culinary Tourism – Ireland’s opportunity’ – Donal Skehan chats with Dearbhail.
‘Irish tourism – a force for good’ – this video highlights the value of tourism to Ireland and in particular to communities across Ireland.
Siobhan McManamy of Tourism Ireland is awarded The Eileen O’Mara Walsh Tourism Industry Special Recognition Award 2026.
Panel discussion – ‘Can we forecast what comes next?’
Dearbhail has a has a quick wrap-up chat with ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh to review the day.
GALLERY
SPEAKERS
David McNamara
Chief Economist, AIB
Eduardo Santander
CEO/Exec Director, European Travel Commission
Edward S. Walsh
US Ambassador to Ireland
About Dearbhail
Dearbhail McDonald is an author, journalist, broadcaster and documentary maker.
A global Eisenhower Fellow, Dearbhail has won a series of awards for her contribution to public affairs journalism including the Outstanding Achievement Award from the UCD Smurfit Business School, the Mary Cummins Award for Women of Outstanding Achievement in Media, a Dublin City University Special Alumni Achievement award, as well as several Law Society of Ireland Justice Media Awards for her legal affairs and business coverage.
The former Group Business and Legal Editor of Independent News and Media, and author of Bust: How the Courts Exposed the Rotten Heart of the Irish Economy (Penguin), Dearbhail has consistently used her platforms to highlight a range of diverse issues at the interface of law, business, society, economics and culture.
President of the Strategy Committee of Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris, Dearbhail has also served on the boards of Fighting Words, Ireland’s national creative writing centre for children and young adults, the St. Stephen’s Green Trust as well as the External Advisory Board of Maynooth University Department of Law.
Dearbhail has made a series of television documentaries for RTE, Ireland’s national broadcaster, including Fertility Shock (2019), The Last Nuns in Ireland (2024) and The Last Missionaries in Ireland (2025).
Dearbhail holds an LL.B (Law) from Trinity College Dublin as well as a Masters Degree in Journalism from Dublin City University.
About Alice
Alice Mansergh is Chief Executive at Tourism Ireland, with leadership responsibility for marketing the island of Ireland to overseas visitors. Collaborating with industry and government partners, Alice and the Tourism Ireland team are proud to support and grow the contribution overseas tourism makes to economies and communities across the island of Ireland.
Previously, Alice spent 19 years leading large scale commercial organisations at Google. As Managing Director, UK & Ireland Customer Solutions, she helped hundreds of thousands of businesses to digitise and succeed online. During a period based in London, Alice led Google’s own consumer marketing, growing iconic brands like Google Chrome, Maps and Gmail to market leading positions.
Alice is passionate about tourism and has not let a year of her life go by without holidaying around the island of Ireland. From 2018 to 2023, she served on the Board of Fáilte Ireland – the Irish national tourism development authority – with oversight of investments to strengthen tourism offerings and support industry through the Covid period. She is honoured to serve as Chief Executive with Tourism Ireland since September 2023.
About Eoghan
Eoghan is the CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), the representative body for Irish tourism and hospitality interests. Eoghan is passionate about Irish tourism and its potential and has worked in the sector for 20 years, previously with O’Mara Travel and Heritage Island. Eoghan is a Board Director of the St Patrick’s Festival, Dublinia and was Chairman of the charity War Child Ireland.
In his earlier career he was Procurement Executive with Diageo in London and Dublin.
Eoghan is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Management Institute and has been CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) since September 2015.
About Anne
Anne was appointed CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust in 2018 and leads a team of over 100 colleagues and 300 volunteers across properties in the Trust’s care at Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork; The National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, Roscommon; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford; and 11 Parnell Square, Dublin. She was appointed Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) in May 2026 and completes her role as Chair of AVEA, the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions, in October 2026.
Prior to her current role, Anne held many executive and non-executive directorship roles, spanning both the public sector and commercial enterprises, across financial services, media, and renewable energy sectors, as well as in non-profits and cultural institutions.
About Misa
Misa Labarile, PhD is a policy officer of the European Commission working on the development of EU policy in the tourism sector (Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport). The host of the EU Smart Tourism podcast, she also manages the European Capital of Tourism competition.
A linguist and social scientist by background, Misa began her career in communication. She has then worked on EU affairs for more than fifteen years: at the European Commission, she has worked on social policies for youth and skills development, financial services and external relations before focusing on tourism. She has served in the Cabinet of two Italian Prime Ministers advising on EU affairs, and worked in academic research on her PhD in politics in Milan, IT, and Boston, USA.
About Des
Des joined Dalata in 2011 as a hotel General Manager. He was promoted to Group General Manager – Clayton Hotels in 2018 before being appointed as COO in January 2022. He was appointed to the Board of Dalata in January 2025. Since taking over as COO, Des has been instrumental in promoting a culture of innovation and driving operational efficiencies and enhancing guest experiences across the group’s properties.
Prior to this, Des served as General Manager of the Clyde Hotel, The Ballsbridge Hotel, and Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport, bringing extensive hotel operations experience to his current position.
Des is a graduate of the National College of Ireland, has served on the Board of The Irish Hospitality Institute and is a former National Council member of the Irish Hotels Federation.
About Caitríona
Caitríona Perry is a multi-award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster, and BBC News Chief Presenter, based in Washington DC. She anchors the Peabody Award winning World News America, and several hours of daily primetime live news programming on BBC News. She also is an occasional host of BBC’s The Global Story podcast. She has reported across Ireland, the UK, Europe, Australia and America.
Until 2023, Caitríona was the co-anchor of the flagship RTÉ Six One news on RTÉ One, and presenter of RTE special events programmes such as elections, and breaking news programmes and was lead presenter of the trip to Ireland by US President Joe Biden. She also presented Morning Ireland, The Week in Politics and Leaders’ Questions.
Previously, Caitríona was RTE’s Washington Correspondent in 2013. Her beat covered the US, Canada and Latin America during her posting. She criss-crossed the United States reporting from the 2016 campaign trail for RTE News across radio, television and online platforms.
Caitríona is the author of two critically-acclaimed best-selling books: ‘The Tribe: The Inside Story of Irish Power and Influence in US Politics’ and ‘In America: Tales from Trump Country’.
Prior to working in America, she held various posts as an anchor, reporter and programme editor within RTE.
She has also presented and produced several special magazine TV programmes, including one on the Irish in the White House, the Irish in Canada, the Irish in Australia, and a special highlights programme from the Special Olympics World Games in 2015.
Prior to joining RTÉ in 2007, Caitríona worked in Irish national radio stations Today FM (Legal Affairs Correspondent and Deputy Head of News) and NewsTalk (Reporter and Producer).
She has a first-class honours degree in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in International Relations both awarded by Dublin City University, which named her as one of its Distinguished Alumni in 2015. She also completed a period of study at Boston University in 2001. She has been recognised for her contribution to public service broadcasting and for her commitment to transatlantic relations by the United States Congress.
Caitríona has won several awards for her journalism, including multiple National Justice Media Awards for her television work and a PPI National Radio Award for her radio news reporting. She has also been named Irish Tatler Irish Media Woman of the Year and Image Media Woman of the Year.
Caitríona has addressed leading universities, festivals and companies around the world on the subjects of US politics, disinformation and is part of a travelling Irish-American history roadshow team.
She speaks French, German, Spanish and Irish.
About Peter
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Peter Burke is Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. He previously served as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning.
Before being appointed to the government, Peter sat on the Oireachtas Finance and Public Accounts Committees and has been a frequent media commentator on tax and financial issues.
He was born in Mullingar, Ireland and attended National University of Ireland, Galway where he studied Commerce. He is a Chartered Accountant by profession with ten years’ experience in the private sector. Peter served as a Councillor on Westmeath County Council from 2007 until he was elected to the Dáil in 2016. He is married to Olivia and they have two young sons, Leo and Ted.
About Donal
Donal Skehan is a food writer, food photographer and television presenter living in Dublin, Ireland. Inspired by a family of passionate food lovers who have worked in the food industry for over 60 years, cooking and eating hearty home cooked food has always been a way of life. Throughout his cookbooks and TV series, Donal’s recipes are accessible, inspiring and encouraging for the everyday home cook.
Donal got his start in the world of food when he started a food blog in 2007, he was offered a book deal which coincided with his first television series on Irish TV. Donal is now one of Ireland’s most popular food profiles.
His television career has gone on to see him exploring 10 European cities on Food Network’s “Follow Donal”, learning the secrets of Italian cookery from 13 incredible Nonna’s on FOX International’s “Grandma’s Boy”, judge some of the UK’s finest young cooks on BBC’s “Junior MasterChef” and use his Swedish language skills while he presents Sweden’s biggest food show “Mitt Kok”. He has also had a primetime series for the past 5 years on RTE, Ireland’s largest TV channel and public broadcaster.
In April 2016 Donal guest presented an episode of Saturday Kitchen on BBC One after James Martin’s decade at the helm. The audience response was overwhelmingly positive.
Donal’s YouTube channel has been incredibly popular and with 3 weekly videos, over 14 million views and 350,000 subscribers worldwide, it has become one of his most successful platforms to date.
Apart from food, Donal is an accomplished food photographer and shoots high end images including the photography on all his own books.
About Caroline
Caroline Bocquel serves as Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, bringing more than two decades of experience in strategic leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth across the public and NGO.
Before joining Fáilte Ireland, Caroline was Chief Executive of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), where she led significant organisational transformation during a period of major industry change.
Her career also includes senior leadership roles in financial management and governance, including Chief Financial Officer at GOAL and Director of Corporate Services at the Marine Institute.
About Derek
Derek Nolan is Policy and Partnerships Lead for Ireland and the Nordics at OpenAI, working with governments, civil society and partners to support responsible AI adoption and help people, businesses and communities benefit from the technology.
He previously led Airbnb’s public policy work in Ireland and the Nordics, having earlier held responsibility for Australia and New Zealand.
Derek served as a member of the Irish Parliament from 2011 to 2016, representing Galway West.
He is a qualified solicitor and holds a master’s degree in International Human Rights Law.
About Robert
Robert Watt is one of Ireland’s most experienced public sector leaders, with a distinguished career spanning economic policy, public finance, governance, and public sector reform. He has held a number of senior leadership positions within the Irish Civil Service, including Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and Secretary General of the Department of Health. Throughout his career, he has played a central role in shaping fiscal policy, driving organisational transformation, and leading major government initiatives during periods of significant economic and social change.
In June 2026, Robert was appointed Chief Executive Officer Designate of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to deliver the recommendations of the Dublin City Task Force and support the long-term regeneration of Dublin city centre. Known for his strategic leadership and collaborative approach, he has successfully led complex cross-sector programmes and stakeholder initiatives, bringing together government, business, and community partners to deliver sustainable economic and social outcomes.
About Kate
Kate English is Deloitte Ireland’s Chief Economist. She joined the firm in 2022, spearheaded the creation of the real estate research team and the firm’s first Chief Economist. Kate and her team conduct data-driven research across the real estate market and broader economic and policy areas, assessing trends within Ireland and its key trading markets.
Kate is a recognised commentator on global macroeconomic trends, fiscal policy, capital markets, demographics, real estate and employment trends. She frequently presents market updates and panel discussions across national broadcast and print media. In recognition of her thought leadership in real estate, she was listed in the inaugural Business Post Property 100, Ireland’s most influential property sector leaders. She was also awarded Emerging Executive of the Year at the Image Business Woman of the Year Awards 2026.
Prior to joining Deloitte, Kate served as the Chief Economist, Head of Research & Insights at Economist with Cushman & Wakefield Ireland and held the position of Senior Economist with Sherry FitzGerald. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and French from University College Cork, and is currently an adjunct professor with UCC.
About Peter
Peter Cosgrove is the founder of Futurewise , a future of work insights company. He is a regular media commentator and conference speaker. He is a much sought-after speaker on the topics of the future of work, talent, AI and the machine age, and gender diversity.
His testimonials regularly have Peter as the best speaker at conferences as he mixes a witty, entertaining and energetic style with some excellent research and knowledge of his topics.
He leaves audiences excited, inspired and informed as he delivers messages through powerful stories and anecdotes. Peter works with senior management teams to help them with their future outlook.
Peter is passionate about the skills of the future and has published two books called “Fun Unplugged” and “Family Fun Unplugged” to help get families off their screens and interacting more.
How to Futureproof Your Workplace
Future Trends/ The Future of Work
How Long will Your Job Last – The Future of Talent
Diversity – The Business Rationale is not enough
Workshop – Engaging Men in the Diversity Conversation
The Technology dangers – how it affects society and the workplace
The challenges and opportunities with a remote/hybrid workforce
How will companies address the new hybrid landscape and work out the best strategy for success
How to build a strong team culture in a hybrid workforce where employees are rarely in the office
How to communicate effectively using the best combination of in-person and technology tools
How to motivate and ensure strong productivity from hybrid teams
How to address the issue of employee burnout in an “always on” work environment
How to ensure diversity can thrive
Lessons learned from companies who operate distributed workforces and the difference between remote-first and remote-forced companies
Future-Proofing your organisation
Taking into account emerging trends, shifts in macro trends, and volatility and uncertainty in areas outside of their industry, this masterclass delivers practical research solutions for executive teams as they make critical decisions about their future when that future increasingly seems shaped by disruptive forces such as AI, climate change and more. Peter Cosgrove helps you to futureproof your workplace. Topics covered include technology disruption, the rapidly changing jobs market, the impacts of globalisation, the futurist view, culture, people, innovation and diversity.
ITIC Conference 2026 Terms & Conditions
DELEGATE REGISTRATIONS
TERMS OF BOOKING – Conference Registration
- The term Organisers as listed below includes ITIC Conference 2026 organising committees and Keynote PCO.
- Registrations are accepted only on full completion of the online registration form.
- No booking will be confirmed until payment is received in full.
- Bookings or changes will not be accepted by telephone, cancellations and or changes must be sent in writing to the registration desk at ITICreg@keynotepco.ie
- There is no refund for non-attendance.
- A name change on a paid registration will be accepted up to 14 days prior to the conference, after that date a charge of €10 will apply.
- Payment by invoice/bank transfer will incur a €25 non-refundable administration charge.
- There is no administration charge for payment by MasterCard or VISA.
- All fees/rates are quoted in Euro €, all bank transfer fees/charges are the responsibility of the participant.
- All refunds requested prior to the 3rd of August 2026 are subject to cancellation terms listed below and subject to a €25.00 processing fee.
- All refunds requested from the 4th of August 2026 are subject to cancellation terms listed below and subject to a €25.00 processing fee.
- The Organisers reserve the right to alter any of the programme or other arrangements for this Conference; including cancellation or postponement of the event should unforeseen circumstances require it. The Organisers accept no responsibility for resulting costs or inconvenience to participants in this case.
- The Organisers will not be held liable for any loss or damage of personal items of attendees or injury caused at any venue used in connection with the Conference.
- Force Majeure: The Organisers shall not be deemed to be in breach of this registration agreement or otherwise liable to the delegate for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this agreement as a result of an event or series of connected events outside the reasonable control of the Organisers (including, without limitation, acts of God, floods, lightning, storm, fire, explosion, war, military operations, acts or threats of terrorism, strike
action, lock-outs or other industrial action or a pandemic, epidemic or other widespread illness).
CANCELLATION TERMS – Conference Registration
Delegate Cancellations
- All cancellations and/or changes must be sent in writing to ITICreg@keynotepco.ie
- Cancellation refers to complete and/or partial cancellation of registrations and social events.
- Cancellation fees are incurred as follows
Cancellations received prior to the 3rd of August 2026 – full refund less administration fee of €25.00
Between the 4th of August 2026 and the 31st of August 2026 – 50% refund less administration fee of €25.00
From the 1st of September 2026 – No refund for cancelled registrations.
Delegate Non-Attendance
- Should the delegate be unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control, cancellation fees are subject to terms listed above. This includes the delegate being unable to travel into Ireland from their country, due to either their own country’s travel restrictions or the Irish Government’s travel restrictions – this includes refusal of travel visa application.
Cancellation of Conference by the Organisers
- Should the Organisers completely cancel the Conference, with no content or sessions being available on-line, registrations will be refunded in full less a €25 processing fee.
- Under these circumstances the Organisers are not liable for any other expenses incurred, this includes travel and accommodation costs – delegates are encouraged to have sufficient travel insurance in place to cover such other costs.
Postponement of Conference
- Should the committee need to reschedule the Conference, all registration fees will be transferred to cover attendance on the new Conference dates – no processing fees will apply in this case.
- Should the delegate not wish to accept attendance on the new date they may cancel their registration, in such cases cancellations will be governed by the cancellation terms as outlined above.
- Under these circumstances the Organisers are not liable for any other expenses incurred, this includes travel and accommodation costs – delegates are encouraged to have sufficient travel insurance in place to cover such other costs.
OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS – Conference Registration
Travel and Medical Insurance
- Participants are requested to make their own arrangements for health and travel insurance. The conference fee does not include insurance. We strongly recommend that, when registering for the Conference and making travel arrangements, a travel and/or equipment insurance policy be taken out to cover any loss, cancellation, medical costs, etc. Refunds will not be offered outside of the terms and conditions above, so delegates should ensure they contact their insurance company to ensure sufficient cover is in place from the time of booking. The Organisers do not take responsibility for any delegate, speaker, or exhibitor failing to insure their travel and attendance.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
09:15
Coffee & Registration
10:00
Welcome by conference moderator and MC, Dearbhail McDonald
10:05
Video: ‘How has Irish tourism fared in 2026’
10:10
Opening words by Chair of Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Anne O’Donoghue
10:15
‘Setting the scene’ – AIB’s chief economist David McNamara outlines the state of the Irish economy one week before Budget 2027
10:40
‘Deepen and defend’ – Dearbhail in conversation with Ambassador Edward S. Walsh, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland
10:55
40 under 40 – Irish tourism’s young leaders
11:15
Coffee break
11:45
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD in fireside chat with Dearbhail
12:05
Message from EU Commissioner Michael McGrath
12.10
‘Irish tourism and the EU presidency’ – panel discussion with Caroline Bocquel, CEO Fáilte Ireland, Alice Mansergh, CEO Tourism Ireland, Eduardo Santander, CEO European Travel Commission and Misa Labarile, EU Commission.
12:55
‘Culinary Tourism – Ireland’s opportunity’ – chef Donal Skehan chats with Dearbhail
13:15
Lunch – interactive food stations with chefs and Donal Skehan
14:15
Video: ‘Irish tourism – a force for good’
14:20
‘The Future of Work in an AI world’ – Peter Cosgrove, MD of Careers Portal
14:55
Caitríona Perry in conversation with Dearbhail
15:35
Special Recognition Award
15:50
‘Can we forecast what comes next?’ – Kate English, Chief Economist of Deloitte, Robert Watt, CEO of Dublin City Taskforce, Des McCann of Dalata Hotel Group and Open AI’s Derek Nolan in conversation with Dearbhail
16:25
Dearbhail concludes the conference with a discussion with ITIC’s CEO, Eoghan O’Mara Walsh
16:30
Conference concludes
16:30 to 18:30
Drinks and networking onboard MV Cill Airne, docked outside the CCD
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