Tourism Ireland Leader Niall Gibbons To Step Down After 21 Years

Image: Niall Gibbons, right, with Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland VP North America, Australia and New Zealand and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in Toronto. (Tourism Ireland)
Image: Niall Gibbons, right, with Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland VP North America, Australia and New Zealand and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in Toronto. (Tourism Ireland)
Bruce Parkinson
by Bruce Parkinson
Last updated: 2:10 PM ET, Tue January 10, 2023

After more than two decades with Tourism Ireland, almost 14 of them as Chief Executive, Niall Gibbons has announced his decision to step down in April.

"Being CEO of Tourism Ireland has been an honour and a privilege," Gibbons said in a statement.

"I started with the company just after 9/11 and tourism has weathered many challenges since then, including COVID-19. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which gave rise to Tourism Ireland, the time is right for a new challenge," Gibbons added.

Tourism Ireland chairman Christopher Brooke said Ireland's international reputation as a highly desirable tourism destination had grown significantly over the years of Gibbons' tenure.

"I would like to thank Niall for his outstanding leadership and commitment to tourism over the last 21 years," he said. "Tourism Ireland has been one of the great success stories of the Belfast Agreement, demonstrating that compromise and goodwill can build a better future for all of us."

The board of Tourism Ireland will hold an international open competition for a new chief executive.

"I want to thank everyone for all the support I have received over the last 21 years," Gibbons said. "I wish the staff of Tourism Ireland and the tourism industry well in 2023 and beyond."

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Japan in Bloom: Sell Spring 2027 Cruises with Confidence with HankyuMonday, July 27, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Spring is one of the most sought-after times to visit Japan, making it the perfect opportunity to...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan in Bloom: Sell Spring 2027 Cruises with Confidence with HankyuMonday, July 27, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Spring is one of the most sought-after times to visit Japan, making it the perfect opportunity to...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...