Written answers

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Tourism Promotion

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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410. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which tourism can be increased by way of specific incenctives for air carriers with the objective of maximising the flow of tourists through Irish airports from Europe, the US and worldwide; if it is envisaged to target specific locations for the development on tourism in this regard in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55081/13]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The market for air services in the European Union is fully liberalised and EU State Aid rules do not permit specific financial incentives for airlines.

As the Deputy will be aware, the reduction in the travel tax rate to zero that was announced as part of Budget 2014 will be effective from April 2014. This initiative is part of a process aimed at generating new airline routes into Ireland and boosting the Irish tourism industry. Thus far there has already been a very positive response from airlines, with a total of 23 new routes announced to date for 2014.

The Irish airports have attractive incentive programmes available that encourage the introduction of new routes and services. Tourism Ireland also undertakes cooperative marketing activity with carriers and airports to encourage the introduction of new services and to increase capacity on existing routes. 

During the peak season in 2013 direct air capacity to the island of Ireland increased by 26.7%. Looking ahead to 2014 there is due to be a further 7% increase in direct air capacity. In relation to the US market, 2014 will also see the introduction of a year round service between San Francisco and Dublin and additional year round capacity from both Boston and New York to Shannon. This positive outlook for 2014 will help the tourist industry to build on the success of The Gathering 2013 and help further increase employment in the sector.

 

 

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