‘Government commitment to restore aviation and support tourism is needed now”, says ITIC, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.
ITIC is the representative body of the Irish tourism industry. ITIC works with Government agencies, Tourist Boards, North and South, Tourism Ireland, the EU, and other organisations on tourism development.
The return for Transatlantic flights is a priority for ITIC. As a result of Covid-19 and the harshest restrictions across Europe, airlines and airports have been severely impacted. International visitors account for 75% of all tourism income.
Transatlantic traffic to Shannon and Cork has collapsed from a peak of 48 flights each week and six carriers in 2018 to zero in summer 2021. 1.9 million North American tourists travelled to Ireland in 2019 with a substantial amount visiting Cork and Shannon.
North American visitors support 100,000 tourism jobs along the Wild Atlantic Way. It is critical that tomorrow’s latest reopening announcement offers a clear and speedy roadmap as to how international inbound tourism can recommence.