Monday, 5th March 2007

MORE AIR ROUTES TO DOUBLE AMERICAN VISITORS WITHIN 7 YEARS

IHF Annual Conference Hears

One of Ireland’s largest tourism industry gatherings today suggested that Ireland could witness some two million US visitors annually within the next seven years, representing an increase in revenue of €1billion to the Irish economy, if the Open Skies agreement with the US is ratified later this month. Delegates at the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) 69^th Annual Conference in the Slieve Russell, Cavan welcomed the recent announcement of a draft agreement between the EU and US which, if ratified, will open the way to a substantial increase in direct air routes between the US and Ireland.

The IHF states that American holidaymakers spend longer in Ireland than any other nationality. They also tour more extensively to different parts of the country when they are here, and they spend more. For example, the average US visitor spends €800 in the country, compared to less than €500 for all other overseas visitors. They also enjoy the rural aspects of our country and thus assist spread tourism benefit throughout the country.

Speaking at the IHF conference, Annette Devine, President, IHF stated, “Ratification of the Open Skies agreement represents a win-win situation all round for Irish tourism. The US market is vitally important to us, so we need to make it easier for American visitors to get here. The ratification of this agreement is vital for Irish tourism.”

“We know that there is definite and declared interest by airlines to add extra air routes to Ireland from the US. The objective is to increase from four the number of gate-way cities in the US from which non US airlines can fly directly to Ireland.  Also market research shows a very high level of interest by Americans in visiting Ireland particularly from the west coast and California, It is reasonable to suggest that this market could double within the next 5-7 years and add almost €1 billion to the Irish economy,” Annette Devine. “It is essential, in order to facilitate the conversion of this interest into decision to travel, to have convenient direct air routes to Ireland available.

The current regulation restricting non US Airlines to operating direct flights to Ireland from only four US cities has been a major obstacle blocking the potential growth of US tourism for the Irish market.

The IHF acknowledged the important role played by the Irish Minister for Transport Martin Cullen and his officials in keeping this matter high on the EU priority list.

It outlined that there was substantial opportunity for further tourism growth from the US if Ireland had new and increased air routes coupled with strong marketing initiatives.

“We are utterly dependant on air and sea access to attract visitors here, and we know that the ease of access to is a major in US visitors, in particular, deciding to come here. With the international tourism market becoming so competitive and the availability of increased low cost access to competing destinations, Ireland cannot afford to become complacent and this new Open Skies Agreement offers tremendous potential for our industry,” concluded Ms Devine.

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