Hoteliers Seek Alternative Airline for Dublin to Cork and Kerry Routes

23^rd August 2011

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today called on the Dublin Airport Authority to seek out alternative low-fare operators for services from Dublin to Cork and Kerry following Ryanair’s decision to halt these routes.

Paul Gallagher, President of the IHF stated that Ryanair’s decision to cease services on the routes was a major step backwards for tourism growth in the Southwest. He said, “Air access is a major issue when attracting visitors to the regions, particularly Cork and Kerry. We’re calling for every effort to be made to encourage other airline operators to take over these routes which also act as an essential link for business people visiting national and multi-national operations in the region.”

Mr Gallagher states that Ryanair’s announcement creates an additional challenge when marketing the Southwest as a leisure break and business destination. He states that more needs to be done on a national level to ensure Ireland’s tourism infrastructure is utilised more effectively – including airports – to restore Ireland’s position as a key tourist destination, allowing tourism to play a significant role in Ireland’s economic recovery.

“As part of a long-term strategy for tourism in the region, we need to maintain scheduled flights to the regions,” states Mr Gallagher. “Any restoration of the routes must be analysed in terms of optimum air-craft size and travel schedules so that it suits the needs of the current market.”

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:

Eoin Quinn                                                                      Tel: 01 6760168

Weber Shandwick                                                          Mob: 087 233 2191