But they say a vaccine is absolutely key.
Tourism Ireland says it is cautiously optimistic about tourists returning here in 2021 but the rollout of a covid-19 vaccine will be absolutely key.
The group's CEO believes a successful vaccination programme could prove to be a turning point for inbound tourism.
Its latest international research shows most people are aiming to take their next holiday by the end of 2021.
Mark Henry, Central Marketing Director with Tourism Ireland, says they'll be hoping to attract millions of tourists throughout the year.
''The expectation is that we can get active out in the market place around St. Patricks Day, that we can create demand and begin to win business over the summer'', he said.
''Obviously it will depend on what access routes are available, all that sort of thing.
''But for the island of Ireland you might be talking about achieving about half the visitor numbers next year as we would have had last year''.
''With a fairly steep recovery thereafter as more people get vaccinated''.
