The contentious issue around night flights in and out of Dublin Airport rumbles on.
The contentious issue around night flights in and out of Dublin Airport rumbles on. Proposed caps on the number of night flights at the airport could reduce connectivity, employment, and tourism. Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus CEO, has expressed concerns, warning that restrictions could have significant negative impacts on Ireland’s economy and reputation.
A lobby group called Digital Business Ireland recently outlined that in excess of €10 billion in trade could be lost as a result of a reduction in night time flights. The scenario around night time fights has been equated to the recent debacle at Holyhead Port, which was damaged during a storm, and the short-term impact it had on transportation of goods on and off Ireland.
The issue is also a stark reminder of the need to sort the 32 million passenger cap that is restricting the Airport’s potential. Without clarity on the night flights issue, the government may be sleeping walking into a crisis that could have major ramifications for the country.
Tourism Ireland’s global campaign – Ireland Unrushed
The recent launch of Ireland Unrushed, Tourism Ireland’s global campaign, is based on creditable research. The campaign highlights journeys, experiences in nature and in local communities, and emanates from the tourism body’s discovery that 80% of overseas visitors who choose non-sun holidays want a sense of exploration from their trips.
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said:
“We are excited to launch Ireland Unrushed to inspire visitors to choose Ireland this year for their travel. Research shows 80% of visitors who choose non-sun holidays are motivated by a desire to explore – whether that’s getting out and about in nature, delving into culture or meeting local people. 50% of potential holidaymakers say they would spend more on sustainable accommodation and experiences, so there is a positive interest also in enjoying destinations responsibly.”
She continued:
“At Tourism Ireland, we’re showcasing inspiring journeys around the island of Ireland to win hearts, minds and trips. Ireland Unrushed positions Ireland as the perfect place to slow down, connect more deeply with people and landscapes and refresh. When visitors choose Ireland, dwell for longer and explore more, the economic and community benefits of tourism across the island are increased.”
Tourism Ireland targeted over 70 million potential visitors with the campaign, with an aim to position Ireland front and centre amongst travellers seeking a more relaxed and immersive experience by way of connecting with nature and communities around the country. Countries targeted include Britain, the US, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, as well as in other key tourism markets around the world. The campaign highlights a combination of offerings from our waterways, food tours, hiking and train travel, spreading business throughout the island and benefitting all involved in tourism.
The community-based nature of our industry never fails to impress me.
People who I meet working in tourism have a passion and a resilience not found in other sectors. They have boundless energy and a love for the business. Nothing fazes them; every challenge is met with a “get up and go” attitude and a belief we are all in this together. All of them talk fluently about the extent of opportunities offered by the sector.
Some people, however, believe our educators don’t understand tourism or the hospitality family. Certain segments of our education system think of hospitality in terms of serving or cooking food – they don’t seem to grasp the myriads of activities that take place, from sales and marketing to finance, technology to HR. Sometimes we forget how others see us, but those in hospitality know only too well the importance of the work they undertake.
Hopefully the government’s positioning of the tourism brief into Enterprise Tourism and Employment will change this narrative. I salute those that continue to work in the sector and maintain the Céad Míle Fáilte approach that makes such a contribution to Ireland.
Cyril McAree – Editor, Hotel and Restaurant Times
