Once again, the industry underpinned its role as Ireland's largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer with a remarkable 254,000 people working in tourism and hospitality businesses. It is estimated that €5.3bn will have been spent by international visitors visiting Ireland this year -- with the shining star being the North Americans. The Central Statistics Office has been slow to publish data for the domestic market, but sentiment and industry intelligence would suggest it is marginally down on record 2022 levels. It is international visitor expenditure that makes up the bulk of the Irish tourism economy and, although some way short of staging a full pre-pandemic recovery, the sector has once again proved its "bounce-backability". And despite capacity constraints, Ireland's tourism industry has every right to aim for growth in revenue of 5% in real terms, given the right market mix. However, capacity constraints are causing real concern: Dublin Airport has effectively reached its passenger ceiling; 20% of rooms in hotels and guesthouses have been hoovered up by the State to accommodate refugees and asylum seekers; and the availability of Airbnbs and short-term rentals -- increasingly popular with tourists -- is under threat from new legislation. The danger is that demand will be frustrated and the Irish tourism industry, the national economy, and regional Ireland will miss out. Concerns are growing that the amount of labour costs being imposed by Government, estimated to be around €4bn annually, is landing solely with industry. In a high cost-of-living economy, no business owner has an issue paying a higher minimum wage or statutory sick pay, or implementing any of the other impending legislative changes. But surely some of these costs for small firms should be offset by Government. Otherwise, Irish competitiveness, so crucial to the tourism economy, risks being further diminished. Margins will be squeezed and consumers will end up paying higher prices -- which is never a good combination for business success. Irish tourism has the rightful ambition: To grow its revenue by 50% by the end of the decade. But to do so is predicated on pro-tourism and pro-enterprise policies. The Government must enable industry to prosper. Tourism and the environment The tourism industry is very mindful of its environmental obligations. Concerted action is being taken right across the industry to reduce its carbon footprint. As an example, all the Shannon cruise hire boats next year will replace diesel with hydro-treated vegetable oil to reduce emissions by a whopping 92%. Responsible growth can live alongside carbon reduction. Likewise, that great elephant in the sky -- aviation -- is making significant strides to reduce its emissions. Aer Lingus is taking a lead on sustainable aviation fuels with 10% of all their flights using sustainable fuels by 2030, well ahead of the EU mandate. The broad aviation sector has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050 and all should be done to support this goal. With Ireland's proud aviation legacy it would seem fitting if we took a big bet and became a global leader by introducing incentives for research and development on sustainable aviation fuels. Irish tourism has a bright future in 2024 and beyond. However it cannot be taken for granted. The risks internationally are significant with a conflict in the Middle East and on the European continent. However, the challenges affecting the industry domestically do lie in the gift of the Government. Action in 2024 on ameliorating cost challenges, addressing capacity concerns and improving competitiveness will all help Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry to continue on its path to recovery.