What is Ireland's Experience Economy?
The Experience Economy consists of businesses and organisations that create immersive, memorable experiences for people, in addition to selling goods and services. It spans the arts, cultural, sporting and heritage sectors, as well as hospitality, retail, travel, tourism, entertainment, and events. This is an ecosystem like no other.
Imagine the Cliffs of Moher during peak tourist season or Croke Park on a full day; all the services and suppliers that make those places work – the security, the cleaners, the stewards, the caterers… That is Ireland’s Experience Economy.
It brings us deeper than the surface of traditional ‘front of house,’ reaching into the supply chain of ancillary suppliers and contractors along with a crucial interdependency with our indigenous food and drink industry.
With members ranging from multinationals to small local businesses across all regions of Ireland, the Experience Economy contributes €4 billion annually to the Irish economy and employs over 330,000 people. It is a key driver of Ireland’s economic and social success.
Our Vision
Ibec is working to ensure our Experience Economy members receive the recognition, support and resources they need to continue to play a key role in Ireland’s economy and support future growth. Our vision is for a sector that is:
- Recognised as a dynamic, diverse and substantial part of our distinctive business model; recognised for its economic impact and its intrinsic value in making Ireland a great place to live, work, invest and experience;
- Attracting the best and brightest talent and providing staff with secure and attractive opportunities for advancing their careers;
- Contributing proactively to balanced regional development, including the development of rural communities and the regeneration of urban centres;
- Offering world class experiences for customers of the future from both within and outside Ireland.
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Ibec Budget 2026 submission / Matching vigilance and agility
In Budget 2026, Ibec asks for over €1.15 billion to support and benefit businesses in Ireland's Experience Economy.
Our recommendations include:
- ways to address cost competitiveness challenges for business;
- how to ease regulatory burden;
- increase labour market participation;
- address skills shortages;
- future proof the sector through upskilling and training;
- invest in public infrastructure;
- revitalise urban centres and improve quality of life.
Ibec Experience Economy
Budget 2026 - Investing in the Experience Economy
Catherine Toolan, MD, Diageo Irish Brand Homes and Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Airport discuss the supports needed for Ireland's Experience Economy in relation to Budget 2026.
Experience Economy / Frequently asked questions
Ireland's Experience Economy includes “front-of-house” sectors in hospitality, leisure, tourism and entertainment, retail, arts culture, visitor attractions, sporting and heritage sector. These "front-of-house" businesses are supported by a vast array of suppliers and ancillary service providers that are integral to the delivery of Experience Economy activities in Ireland. Our campaign brings up deep into the supply chain of supporting businesses to include the food and drink industry, AV and tech providers, laundry and linen providers, security services and tour operators to name a few.
There are over 330,000 jobs supported either directly or indirectly from the Experience Economy, make up over 20% of all private sector employment in Ireland. For every 100 jobs in the "front-of-house" businesses, there are another 40 jobs supported within the supply chain of the sector.
Irish residents spent €3.1 billion on domestic trips and holidays in 2023 with the sector contributing €3 billion to the Irish economy. Irish households spend more than €1 in every €3 on domestic tourism and travel expenditure. This compares to €1 in every €4 in the EU as a whole.
Businesses in our Experience Economy spend €4 billion every year on the purchase of goods and services, including over €1 billion in purchases from domestic food and drink suppliers.
When holidaying across all regions of Ireland, the 6.6 million visitors to Ireland from overseas in 2024 spent €6 billion (excluding fares), up +5% from 2023 revenue to the Irish exchequer.
To achieve our vision of supporting the future growth of Ireland's Experience Economy, our key recommendations for Government are:
- Continue to recognise and react to the ongoing cost pressures facing businesses in the Experience Economy;
- Provide education and training options tailored to those working in the Experience Economy that supports their career development and opportunities, ensuring these skills also meet the future needs of the sector;
- Recognise that Ireland is now a 24/7 economy. Commit long term funding to infrastructure, safety and security and ensure investment keeps pace with our nation's economic and demographic growth.
Discover / What our members have to say
Croke Park: Their Sustainability Experience
Croke Park, the headquarters of the GAA, is a stadium which showcases Irish sport and culture, and provides a range of different memorable experiences. In addition to hosting major sporting events, it houses the GAA museum, the skyline tour and hosts major concerts and conferences.
In this case study, we explore the economic contribution and importance of the stadium to the local community and the wider region. We examine Croke Park’s business outlook and how the organisation is adapting, changing and embracing sustainable business practices.
Discover / Campaign Resources
Featured / Experience Economy News
Representing the Irish Experience Economy
With an international reputation for offering exceptional experiences to visitors and residents like, Ireland’s Experience Economy is a dynamic, diverse and a substantial part of our distinctive business model. We’re sharing your stories with policymakers, media and the public-at-large through our campaigning. We’re supporting business to learn from each other in the areas of skills, AI, digitalisation and sustainability through our forums, networking, and research.
Browse our larger Trade Associations that support the Experience Economy.
Get in touch
For more than 30 years, Ibec and its 39 trade associations have delivered results for key sectors of the Irish Economy. We support thousands of businesses of every size, spanning every sector of the economy.
Together with our 39 trade associations, we promote a positive business environment in Ireland by campaigning for evidence-based policies that are formulated in consultation with our members.
For any questions or enquiries, please call us on 01 605 1500 or
Email us
