Fears loss of Shannon flights will hit tourist industry
A LEADING travel agent has warned that the reduction in flights by Aer Lingus from Shannon airport to the United States, and the loss of one Ryanair Shannon-based planes from October, is gong to make the region less attractive for tourists. Tony Brazil, of Limerick Travel, has told his fellow operators that it is now up to them to go out and make the effort to bring people in.
The number of tourists visiting Ireland from overseas has fallen by nine per cent this year compared to 2008 figures, and following the planned reduction in flights to and from Shannon, there are widespread fears that the industry will decline further.
Aer Lingus plans to remove their transatlantic flights from Shannon to Chicago from its winter schedule in a bid to curb losses, while Ryanair will eliminate one aircraft from their winter timetable at Shannon, with chief executive Michael O’Leary, also threatening that the base there could close completely.
Speaking about the downturn in the industry, the managing director of Limerick Travel said: “Unfortunately, we are living in a world where travel is decreasing and the reduction in flights at Shannon is going to make the region less attractive for tourists. The challenge for travel agencies now is to go out and make the effort to get people in.
“We have seen a reduced turnover on last year and have noted a lack in confidence among those planning a holiday. It is a bigger decision for people now to spend the money in that way, and they are hesitating to make the choice.
“Set against the state of the world economy, it is understandable why it is difficult for people to travel
“However, there is great value to be had all over the world in travel at the moment”.
The travel agency MD, stated that in light of the problems facing companies such as British Airways, the issues in the tourism industry here pale in significance.
BA reported a 375 million stg loss for the 12 months to March 31 of this year, and recently asked their staff to work for free for a month.
“The opening of customs and border protection in Shannon will be something of a stimulus to bring in the tourists,” continued Mr Brazil.
“The third Aer Lingus flight to Heathrow due to debut at the end of this year, will be another positive for the area”.
He concluded that it was refreshing to see companies such as Continental Airlines, who were named the World’s Most Admired Airline in Fortune magazine, doing well despite the odds and that it would give others hope of coming out the other side of the economic slump.
