Monday, 1st March 2010 

HOTELIERS WELCOME FREE RAIL PRICE SCHEME FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS

Largely Untapped EU Market of Almost 80 Million People 

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed the confirmation by the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen, TD, that details of a free rail-travel scheme for senior citizens visiting Ireland from abroad will be launched to coincide with St Patrick's Festival. Speaking at the IHF’s 72nd Annual Conference in Galway, Mr Matthew Ryan, President, states that the scheme means Ireland is now uniquely positioned to attract a largely untapped market of 9.5 million people over the age of 66 in the UK and a further 80 million people across the EU.

“Senior citizens have the time, discretionary income and inclination to travel and this initiative will allow Ireland to target this growing market more successfully. We are delighted that this measure – proposed at our annual conference last year – has been embraced and will become a reality for people visiting Ireland from abroad this year. The scheme will make Ireland a more attractive and accessible destination and is proof that, with determination and commitment, state bodies and tourism interests can align with a unified aim and bring innovative idea to fruition,” says Mr Ryan.

 “The scheme, which will use the St Patrick’s Day festival as a global promotional platform, is an example of how creative initiatives targeted at key markets could deliver significant returns for Irish tourism. It gives us a much-needed competitive advantage when marketing Ireland abroad and provides a significant enticement to senior citizens who may be considering Ireland as a destination to visit in this year and in the future. Combined with the exceptional good value offered by Irish hotels and guesthouses, the initiative makes Ireland a compelling place to visit this year. 

“Iarnród Éireann and Fáilte Ireland are to be congratulated for their support of this free travel initiative and agreement to roll out the new scheme. Effective promotion overseas needs to leverage this unique offering so as many potential visitors over 66 are persuaded to visit us this year. ” continues Mr Ryan.

The IHF also welcomed the Taoiseach’s commitment to resolving issues around granting tourist visas and his decision to ask the Department of Justice to look for practical solutions to deal with this important issue. Mr Ryan states that this will enhance Ireland’s tourism by removing barriers to entry and opening up new opportunities in leisure, business and language tourism.

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