Campaign hopes to attract 190,000 British tourists

A CAMPAIGN to attract up to 190,000 tourists from Britain who will be encouraged to spend as much as €66.5 million in 2008, has been launched by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Ireland West Airport Knock.

Tourism Ireland has also announced a major tourism initiative in Northern Ireland involving the revamp of up to 40 key visitor sites on two newly established tourist trails, the Causeway Coastal Route and St Patrick's Trail.

The Ireland West initiative will target British residents living within easy reach of eight airports - including London Gatwick - which have direct scheduled flights to the Co Mayo airport.

Annette Kearney of Ireland West said the campaign would focus closely on potential customers living in the regions in Britain which benefited from "convenient, short, low cost flights to the west.

"The airport's aim in 2008 is to attract approximately 190,000 British tourists on our flights," she said. The campaign will also run in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland is to provide "interpretative solutions" at up to 40 key locations.