/sites/default/files/upload/mark_mcgovern_-_failte_ireland_presentation_-_s17.2.22.pdfHOTELIERS WELCOME INDEPENDENCE FOR SHANNON AIRPORT

• A powerful platform for the rejuvenation of Shannon Airport and the wider Shannon region
• Transfer of tourism function to Fáilte Ireland injects much-needed clarity of purpose into region’s tourism
• Hoteliers now look forward to working closely with Shannon Airport and playing their part in marketing
  the airport as a tourism hub for the region

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed the announcement by Minister Varadkar and Minister Bruton to grant Shannon Airport full independence from Dublin Airport Authority and merge it with Shannon Development. Commenting on the move, Michael Vaughan, President of the IHF stated that it provides a momentous boost for the Shannon region and a powerful platform for the rejuvenation of Shannon Airport. He states: “The Airport has always been at the centre of economic activity for the wider Shannon area and today’s announcement will provide a catalyst in energising the region’s economy and local tourism marketing policies.”

Welcoming the transfer of Shannon Development’s tourism functions into Fáilte Ireland, Mr Vaughan says the move injects a much-needed clarity of purpose to tourism within the area and that the IHF is already working with the Fáilte Ireland team on a regional business plan for 2013. He notes that, despite the loss of Aer Rianta International, the plan is on balance a fair and just result that gives Shannon a sound basis on which to survive and develop to its full potential.

“Minister Varadkar has delivered on a promise to create an autonomous debt free entity. The region must now galvanise its efforts in the spirit of the pioneering early days of Shannon. Hotels and guesthouses look forward to working closely with Shannon Airport and playing their part in marketing the airport as a tourism hub for wider Shannon region. This is of vital importance to local tourism businesses in light of The Gathering next year,” says Mr Vaughan. “Our focus now is on doubling our efforts, developing all possible new routes into the area and realising the enormous potential that exists to promote Shannon as a vibrant holiday destination to overseas visitors, particularly in the lucrative North American market.”

Commenting on the commitment of 850 new jobs for the region, Mr Vaughan said the new positions would provide a much welcome boost to the region and help position the International Aviation Service Centre as a major contributor to the local economy. 

-ENDS-

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