Killarney’s tourism industry is set to receive a first look at the national strategy for “home holidays” as Fáilte Ireland prepares to unveil a major new creative direction for 2026.

Local hotel owners, tour operators, and business leaders will join an industry webinar on Tuesday, March 3, where the roadmap for domestic tourism will be formally revealed.

The briefing comes at a pivotal time for the local economy, as Killarney remains a primary destination for the Irish market.

Fáilte Ireland will present fresh research into the motivations and decision-making habits of Irish consumers, providing local businesses with the data needed to capture the short-break market for the upcoming season.

The webinar will move beyond simple advertising, offering a preview of a new campaign designed to fuel sustainable tourism growth.

This strategy aims to encourage visitors to look beyond traditional peak periods and explore regional offerings, a move that could significantly impact Killarney’s shoulder seasons and mid-week trade.

Participants will receive in-depth insights into what the modern Irish traveler looks for in a domestic short break.

There will also be a preview of the creative content used to inspire audiences across national media and practical instructions on how Killarney businesses can sync their own advertising efforts with the national drive.

The 30-minute briefing is expected to set the tone for how Killarney is marketed to the rest of the country for the remainder of 2026. The event is scheduled for 3:00pm next Tuesday and registration is open to all local tourism stakeholders.

The long-term future of Kerry Airport has been secured following the Government’s announcement of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030.

The move provides a guaranteed framework of support for the Farranfore hub for the next five years, offering much-needed stability for the region’s primary aviation link.

Under the new plan, nearly €45 million in capital investment will be made available across the regional airport sector over the five-year period.

For 2026 alone, the Government has earmarked over €19 million, which includes €9 million specifically for capital projects alongside annual operational funding.

This financial backing is designed to ensure regional airports can meet strict international safety and security regulations while also investing in new infrastructure.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Deputy Michael Cahill, welcomed the announcement, noting that the renewal of the programme provides the certainty required for the airport to plan for the future.

“The continuation of this programme is critically important for Kerry’s connectivity, tourism sector, and broader economic development,” Deputy Cahill said. “Kerry Airport plays a pivotal role in linking our county to Dublin and international destinations, supporting jobs and investment across the Kingdom.”

The 2026–2030 programme has also been broadened to include airports handling up to three million passengers, meaning Kerry will continue to receive support alongside Shannon, Donegal, and Ireland West Airport Knock.

Beyond daily operations, the funding is specifically targeted toward climate resilience and carbon reduction measures, helping the airport align with national climate action commitments.