VISA WAIVER SCHEME WELCOMED BY IRISH HOTELS FEDERATION

11th May 2011

• A key piece of the tourism jigsaw is now in place
• Significant opportunities exist to target affluent travellers from emerging markets
• Tourism Ireland must seize the opportunity in advance of the London Olympics

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed as a key piece of the tourism jigsaw the decision by the Government to introduce a visa waiver scheme for travellers with a UK visa who wish to visit Ireland. It states that, by eliminating the difficulty and expense associated with a separate Irish visa application, the programme offers a welcome marketing opportunity to attract visitors from important emerging markets planning to visit the UK.

Tim Fenn, Chief Executive, IHF stated: “The high cost and complexity involved for visitors in obtaining visas has been a barrier limiting Ireland’s ability to attract visitors from new and emerging markets. The scheme announced today will be of significant benefit in marketing Ireland abroad, particularly in attracting affluent holiday-makers travelling to the UK from India and China.”

Mr Fenn adds: “We now need to seize the opportunity with targeted initiatives for these markets and ensure we capitalise on the thousands of visitors planning to attend next year’s London Olympics.”

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:

Siobhan Molloy/Eoin Quinn                             Tel: 01 6760168

Weber Shandwick                                          Mob: 086 817 50 66/087 233 2191