Tourism & Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference (THRIC) 2026: Shaping Tomorrow in Tourism & Hospitality
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The Tourism & Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference (THRIC 2026) was a highly successful event, bringing together researchers, educators, and industry professionals from the tourism, hospitality, events, and leisure sectors, alongside policymakers, at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus. The conference examined Shaping Tomorrow: Navigating Change in Tourism & Hospitality, focusing on how these sectors are responding to and actively shaping change.
The conference, which was organised by the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, was formally opened by Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, who set the tone for two days of informed, future-oriented discussion. Delegates were also honoured to receive an address from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, who emphasised the central role of tourism and hospitality in supporting sustainable, inclusive cities and resilient communities. Mr Gerard Howlin, Chair of TU Dublin’s Governing Body, welcomed the Lord Mayor to the event.
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Dr Orla McDonagh, Faculty Dean of Arts and Humanities, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, and Mr Gerard Howlin, Chair of TU Dublin’s Governing Body
Through a comprehensive programme of keynote addresses, research papers and panel discussions, participants engaged critically with the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Topics explored included climate action, regeneration, social justice, emerging technologies, education for change and the importance of people-centred approaches in shaping future tourism and hospitality practices.
In keeping with the ethos of THRIC, the conference provided a forum not only for reflection and debate but also for the identification of practical actions that can support positive change across the sector. Discussions consistently focused on translating research and insight into meaningful impact.
Speakers and contributors included Jane Stacey, Head of the Tourism Unit at the OECD in Paris; Nigel Morgan, Professor of Social Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University; Dr Gráinne Walshe, Assistant Director of Researcher Development at Research Ireland; Caman Wall, Head of Economic & Industry Analysis at Fáilte Ireland; Olivia Duff, Director of the Headford Arms Hotel, Co-founder of the Boyne Valley Foods Brand, and Chairperson of the Centre for Food Culture in Ireland; Louise Fitzpatrick, Commercial Recreation Manager at Coillte; Michael Griffin, CEO of the Griffin Hotel Group; and Michael McDermott, Festival Director of The Liberties Festival.
We were also delighted to welcome our valued industry partners, including Tina Maree, National Executive Officer of the Irish Hospitality Institute; Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation; Paul Gallagher, CEO of the Irish Hotels Federation; and Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
TU Dublin extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, contributors and delegates for their commitment, expertise and collaborative spirit, which ensured that THRIC 2026 was a substantive, engaging and impactful event.
No conference takes place without huge effort, commitment and hard work, and we thank the members of the organising committee for making this event such a success.
A special word of thanks to:
- Dr Ziene Mottier (Chair)
- Dr Theresa Ryan
- Dr Kevin Griffin
- Dr Bernadette Quinn
- Dr Geraldine Gorham
- Dr Ruth Crags
- Dr Emma O’Brien
- Dr John Ryan
- Dr Ann Conway
- Dr Vanessa de Abreu Santos
- Jennifer Hussey
- Raymond Keaney