Mr Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, commenting on the recently announced draft proposals by EU and US aviation authorities for the introduction of an Open Skies agreement for transatlantic air services, said, “It underlines the necessity to accelerate the implementation of the recommendations in the Tourism and Economic Development Plan which was submitted to Government last year by the Mid-West Regional Authority and regional stakeholders including Shannon Development, the Shannon Airport Authority, IBEC, SIGNAL, Chambers of Commerce and Local Authorities”.
“The possible introduction of an Open Skies regime later this year will pose a unique set of challenges for Shannon International Airport and for the Shannon Region and the wider West of Ireland which rely on transatlantic air services to drive inward investment and overseas tourism in their economies. These challenges are addressed in the Tourism and Economic Development Plan which details recommendations on how Shannon and the Western Regions can prosper in a new regulatory environment” said Mr Thompstone.
“The Plan sets out the priorities for sustaining Shannon International Airport in an Open Skies environment. It is clear that changes in transatlantic air services at the Airport will inevitably follow when a new regulatory framework is in place. The challenge for the Shannon Region and the West of Ireland is to ensure that these changes are managed for the long term benefit of those enterprises that depend on Shannon International Airport for connectivity to international markets”
Mr Thompstone added “Shannon Development is also concerned that the tourism marketing campaign for the West of Ireland proposed in the Tourism and Economic Development Plan is fully funded and implemented over the coming years. The purpose of this campaign is to implement a targeted marketing programme to promote the West of Ireland as tourism destination, especially in North America”.
Nandi O’Sullivan
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