Thursday, 22 March 2007

EU Backing for Open Skies deal
welcomed by Irish Hotels Federation

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed as a significant breakthrough the ratification of a draft Open Skies agreement between the EU and the US.  The IHF states that the agreement could herald an additional one million US visitors to Ireland annually over the next seven years, representing an increase in revenue of €1billion to the Irish economy.

Commenting on the agreement, Annette Devine, President, IHF states, “Ratification of the Open Skies agreement will have tremendous benefits all round for Irish tourism. The agreement will open the way for a substantial increase in direct air routes between the US and Ireland, making it easier for American visitors to get here. American holidaymakers spend longer in Ireland than any other nationality and also tour more extensively to different parts of the country. They also spend more with the average US visitor spending €800 compared to less than €500 for other overseas visitors.”

The IHF reiterated the need for a dedicated €10 million per annum marketing fund to assist the Shannon region over the next five years following ratification of the Open Skies agreement. Ms Devine called on the Government to work closely with the Shannon Airport Authority to incentivise airlines to promote the Shannon region in North America.

The IHF acknowledged the important role played by the Minister for Transport Martin Cullen, TD, the Taoiseach and his Cabinet colleagues in keeping this matter high on the EU priority list.

ENDS

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Siobhan Molloy/Eoin Quinn                             Tel: 01 6760168
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