The tourism industry must act to protect the environment in an effort to attract overseas visitors, Fáilte Ireland said today.
The national tourism body is meeting for its annual conference today and is focusing on the environment.
Fáilte Ireland chairman Gillian Bowler said: "More than nearly any other sector, the tourism industry stands to lose considerable revenue if our environment is not safeguarded," she told the conference.
"This €6.1 billion industry which accounts for 3.8 per cent of GNP depends on Ireland's unique environmental attractions for its survival.
"The tourism industry must take responsibility and consider how it can contribute to bringing about more enlightened and sustainable policies and procedures that will be a benefit to the environment and hence our industry," Ms Bowler said.
Chief Executive Shaun Quinn said Fáilte Ireland had set out a three-year action plan on the environment.
Its key objectives include placing environmental issues at the core of sustainable tourism policy, advocating the protection of environmental and tourism assets, undertaking research, promoting good environmental practices and working with strategic partners.