Economics of Tourism. All aspects of tourism policy.

James Deegan is Professor of Tourism Policy and is Director of the National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies( NCTPS) at the University of Limerick . An economist by training he has previously been head of the Economics Department at UL. His main research interests relate to how economics and other academic disciplines can inform the development of micro and macro decisions to inform decisions of firms and Government Policymakers. He has published the seminal book on Irish Tourism Policy and Performance with Professor Donal Dineen(1997, Routledge) and has contributed articles to the leading international journals in tourism. He has acted on the editorial board of The Cornell Quarterly and has been on the editorial board of Tourism Economics since 2002. James has also acted and continues to act as a referee for the highest rated Tourism Journals such as The Annals of Tourism Research and The Journal Of Travel Research. As director of the NCTPS, James has attracted more than 5million to UL which has been used to fund tourism resources for UL's library and to fund research scholarships for more than 25 students.  Reflecting his keen interest in the application of economics to industry and tourism policy he has conducted research projects for International and National Agencies and has also undertaken funded projects for industry groups. He has worked on International projects for the World Bank, The European Commission, Eurostat and International Development Ireland and in Ireland he has completed work for numerous Government agencies, including Failte Ireland, The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, CERT, The Marine Institute, Enterprise Ireland,  Chambers of Commerce and local Authorities. He has also conducted project work for The Irish Hotels Federation, The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation and numerous other private sector groups. James has served on various Government and private sector committees including the Business Forum that helped establish Ireland's National Convention Centre and he was also a Ministerial appointee to the National Tourism Development Authority( Failte Ireland) from 2013 to 2017. Jim is currently a board member of Birr Castle Scientific and Heritage Foundation.