| Sky’s the limit for US tourists
AMERICAN tourist numbers to Ireland could double to 2million within seven
years.
The increase could generate an extra £700million for the Irish economy
if the Open Skies agreement with the US is ratified later this month a
conference has heard.
The head of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) John Power addressed 400
delegates attending the federation’s 69th Annual Conference in the
Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan.
He said that the agreement between the EU and US would if ratified open
the way to a substantial increase in direct air routes between the US
and Ireland.
Research had already indicated a huge level of interest among Americans
living in California and along the west coast in visiting Ireland.
Mr Power pointed out that American tourists spend more time in Ireland
than any other nationality.
They also spend on average £540 in the country, compared to less
than £340 for all other overseas visitors.
And he pointed out that the number of EU visitors to Ireland had doubled
to 1.1million in five years thanks to improved access.
Current regulations mean that non-US airlines can only travel to Ireland
from four destinations in the United States.
IHF President Annette Devine called for a dedicated marketing fund of
£7million a year for the Shannon region over the next five years
to assist in the transition period following ratification of the Open
Skies agreement.
She said Shannon Airport would face new challenges to sustain and increase
direct transatlantic air traffic.
For Shannon to become an internationally successful airport it needed
ring-fenced marketing funds as well as improved infrastructure on all
main routes into the region said Ms Devine.
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