SHANNON STUDY:THE OPEN-SKIES aviation policy has resulted in a downturn in tourism in the Shannon region and the rest of the west of Ireland this year, according to a new report.
The study, from the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (Itic) and Shannon Development, says 2008 is particularly challenging for tourism in the west, with many external factors affecting the short-term outlook.
These include open skies, which have reduced transatlantic traffic through Shannon by 40 per cent, the economic downturn in main markets, the falling dollar and sterling, and record food and oil prices.
Shannon Gateway to the West of Ireland: a Short Term Market Perspective, drawn up by Tourism & Transport Consult International, urges the implementation in full and without delay of the Shannon Airport catchment area economic and tourism development plan.
That plan, published in January, calls for the establishment of an independent, financially viable Shannon Airport Authority, continued funding of Discover Ireland's Wonderful West programme, improved transport links between Shannon Airport, Donegal and Kerry, and investment in the development of broadband communication to improve competitiveness.
It also calls for continued work with airlines to secure existing transatlantic services at Shannon, particularly winter services, as well as new route development.
Itic's chairman, Richard Bourke, said that although Irish tourism faces increasing challenges, its product is strong and offers very good value for money to all visitors.
"We remain optimistic, but there are many actions we need to take to improve the tourism industry, particularly in the Shannon and west-of-Ireland regions. This report highlights some of those actions which we hope will be enthusiastically implemented."
Shannon Development's heritage and tourism director, John King, said that the immediate challenge facing the region is securing existing access and related services in difficult times.
"Many of the current problems facing the sector will diminish in time, and Shannon and the west must remain positioned to take full advantage of this recovery. Connectivity, marketing and tourism product development will remain key to this aspiration."