Ian Guider: More flights won’t rescue tourism industry if there’s nothing to see here

With much-loved cultural venues in Dublin disappearing at an alarming rate, it’s time we took a long, hard look at what draws tourists to Ireland in the first place

‘Dublin has always pitched itself as a modern and diverse capital, vibrant and rich in heritage, but the pandemic hit in several ways. It has left very visible scars, with shuttered shops and empty buildings.’ Picture: Getty

Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, this country set a record for the number of visitors from overseas. Close to 19 million people came here for family visits, holidays or business trips. As restrictions are eased across Europe and travel returns to more normal levels later this year, what will greet visitors to these shores?

The focus of tourism recovery plans has so far centred mainly on access, of ensuring that airlines rebuild ...