The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Shannon Branch today called on the Government to use all means available to ensure the permanent procurement of Heathrow slots for Shannon Airport. The IHF stated that the termination of the Heathrow routes will severely diminish the region's ability to attract business, conference and high-end leisure tourism from key international markets. Since the announcement, at least €100 million in investments in major tourism projects and €150 million in tourism revenue have been jeopardised.
Chairman of the IHF Shannon Branch, Michael Vaughan, stated “It is critical that the Government act swiftly to avert an economic crisis in the region and ensure Shannon Airport retains its vital Heathrow slots. Already, the IHF is aware of at least three major tourism investments totalling over €100 million that are being put on hold as a direct consequence of Aer Lingus’ decision. We’re calling on the Government to use whatever mechanism is required to ensure Shannon Airport continues to offer flights to and from Heathrow.”
“Preliminary estimates put the impact on long-haul tourism and business-related travel at €150 million with over 350,000 passengers flying the Shannon–Heathrow route each year. As a vital access point for long haul and transatlantic flights, I find it impossible to reconcile this decision with the Government’s stated strategy of promoting business and tourism in the regions, particularly in light of the already difficult challenges presented by the Open Skies environment”, added Mr Vaughan.
Chairman of the IHF Shannon Branch, Michael Vaughan, stated “It is critical that the Government act swiftly to avert an economic crisis in the region and ensure Shannon Airport retains its vital Heathrow slots. Already, the IHF is aware of at least three major tourism investments totalling over €100 million that are being put on hold as a direct consequence of Aer Lingus’ decision. We’re calling on the Government to use whatever mechanism is required to ensure Shannon Airport continues to offer flights to and from Heathrow.”
“Preliminary estimates put the impact on long-haul tourism and business-related travel at €150 million with over 350,000 passengers flying the Shannon–Heathrow route each year. As a vital access point for long haul and transatlantic flights, I find it impossible to reconcile this decision with the Government’s stated strategy of promoting business and tourism in the regions, particularly in light of the already difficult challenges presented by the Open Skies environment”, added Mr Vaughan.
