COVID-19 and business tourism in Ireland
As countries around the world continue to grapple with COVID-19, international business tourism activity remains largely on hold.
Our focus here in Ireland is firmly on making the future of meetings, events, conferences and incentives in this country as bright as possible; below, we'll keep you fully up-to-date with everything you need to know about safety measures and progress here.
As we continue to navigate the global health crisis, Ireland's first priority is the health and safety of its people, including those who plan to make their way here for rewarding experiences in the years to come.
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Ireland and the Coronavirus: an update
In September 2020, the Government launched the "Living with COVID-19 Medium-Term Plan", a five-level roadmap designed to help control the spread of COVID-19. Fáilte Ireland (our National Tourism Development Authority) regularly updates a series of Operational Guidelines to reflect the Government’s Public Health advice as part of the Plan; these can be viewed on the COVID-19 Business Supports Hub.
On 19 October 2020, the Government announced that Ireland would move to Level 5 for a period of six weeks until 1 December. These measures — which may be extended beyond 1 December should the Government deem it necessary — were introduced to help curb rising numbers of cases of the virus in Ireland, and to protect all who reside here.
Key measures in place, as of midnight on 21 October 2020, are as follows:
- Ireland is now at Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19
- All Irish residents have been asked to stay at home (with certain exceptions)
- No organised indoor or outdoor gatherings can take place
- Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars) are open for take away or delivery only
- Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs remain open, but only to support provision of essential services
- Only essential retail, including food shopping, and essential services remain open
- Public transport will operate at 25% capacity for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work. Face coverings must be worn
Meet in Ireland’s top priority is supporting Ireland’s business tourism industry to survive, re-open and recover from the catastrophic impact COVID-19 has had on the sector. This crisis is affecting business tourism in every corner of the world and the road ahead is uncertain.
Our other concern is the provision of up-to-date information to business tourism buyers and planners around the world, so that they have the full picture of Ireland's progress in the fight against the virus. We will provide you with Ireland's step-by-step public health actions to protect people and businesses, so that you can make decisions about where to travel in future years with full confidence.
Ireland’s approach has been and will remain one of safety first, with public welfare the number one priority of the tourism industry and Government.
For official advice and news on Ireland and COVID-19, visit Gov.ie, the central government information portal. For advice on staying safe during the health crisis and to find out more about the services available in Ireland, please visit Ireland's Health Service Executive.
Latest figures as of October 2020
- There have now been 60,297 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
- There have been 1,902 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
Safety Charter
Fáilte Ireland, our National Tourism Development Authority, has launched a new COVID-19 Safety Charter designed to promote the new and robust safety measures undertaken by tourism businesses around Ireland and instil public confidence in the safety of these premises when they are allowed to re-open. The Charter highlights Ireland’s focus on public health and confirms to event planners and visitors that businesses have committed to adhering to the correct safety measures and hygiene protocols.
Air access for international visitors
All passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas are obliged to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before entry. For further details please see the Irish Government Advice Page.
The Irish Authorities advise anyone coming into Ireland (apart from those coming from Northern Ireland or a country on Ireland's Green List) to restrict their movements for 14 days, and this includes citizens and residents returning to Ireland. (Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.)
Ireland’s national airline, Aer Lingus, has outlined important new measures and travel tips which will be in place to ensure passengers health safety when travelling to Ireland from abroad. These include enhanced air cleaning system on all aircrafts, air filtration technology and mandatory face coverings.
Stay up-to-date with the latest travel guidelines from the HSE and access the latest travel guidelines from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Meet in Ireland support
Meet in Ireland is in the process of developing specific guidelines for the business tourism industry.
During these times, Meet in Ireland is offering financial support to help you bring delegates to Ireland when it is safe to do so. Find out more about the supports available for corporate and incentive programmes or book a one-on-one chat with a Meet in Ireland team member by filling out our contact form.
Further links