NEW ROUTES FOR SHANNON OPEN MARKET OF 7 MILLION

Hoteliers Welcome Strategic Boost to Region’s Tourism Industry

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed the extension of Aer Lingus Regional’s services into Shannon as an important strategic boost to the region’s tourism industry. The new services will provide more direct access to in excess of 7 million people across key population centres in the UK, which is Ireland’s largest tourism market for overseas visitors.

In welcoming the announcement by Aer Lingus Regional, Michael Vaughan, Chairman, IHF Shannon Branch said, “This is a significant opportunity to increase the profile of Ireland and, in particular, the Shannon and Western regions as a vibrant holiday destination.  With a total market of over 62 million people on our doorstep, the UK is Ireland’s largest source of overseas visitors. As such direct access to key urban centres of population is critical to the development of our tourism offering.”

Mr Vaughan welcomes the airport board's efforts to bring sustainable long term air services to the region and is optimistic that the new services will facilitate the continued expansion of the British tourism market both nationally and directly into the region. Operated by Aer Lingus Regional – a franchise of Aer Arann and Aer Lingus, the services will operate from July with flights to and from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Bristol.

 “This announcement represents massive potential to grow tourism to the West region. We look forward to working with the Regional Tourism Development Board in the West to maximise this impact,” concludes Mr Vaughan. 

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