Ireland Tourism News Page 7
Ireland cuts air travel tax to boost tourism
Republic of Ireland finance minister Michael Noonan has confirmed the controversial €3 air travel tax will be abolished. Noonan said VAT on restaurants, hotels, cinemas, theatres, sports fixtures and other attractions would also be cut from 13.5 per cent to nine per cent as the nation sought to boost tourism receipts.
Tourism Ireland launches online game
Tourism Ireland is the first national tourism board in the world to launch a social game. It taps into the huge popularity of games like FarmVille and CityVille. Ireland Town will sit on Tourism Ireland’s Facebook pages.
UK government urged to cut air passenger duty
Airport operator BAA has urged the British government to follow the lead of Ireland and rescind recent increases in air passenger duty. Yesterday the Irish government announced it would cut its Air Travel Tax to €3 from its current rate of €10 despite the ongoing financial crisis.
Terminal 2 opens at Dublin Airport to bailout background
Dublin Airport welcomed the opening of Terminal 2 over the weekend, but what was once a monument to Irish prosperity is in danger of becoming a symbol of economic overreach. At its peak the project was the largest construction site in the state, employing up to 2,600 workers on site. But many of these jobs have been lost, in line with thousands more across Ireland as the recession bites.
Stena Line confirms new Scottish port
Swedish ferry operator Stena Line has confirmed it is to invest approximately £200m in a new ferry port in Scotland. The Loch Ryan port will occupy a 28-acre site two miles north of Cairnryan, following the Scottish parliament’s decision to grant a Harbour Empowerment Order (HEO) allowing construction.
Ireland means business at WTM
Tourism Ireland has launched a new campaign which aims to increase visitor numbers from the UK to the island next year. The new strategy, launched at World Travel Market yesterday with comedian Patrick Kielty (pictured) and the cast of Riverdance, will target both business and leisure visitors.
Simon Gregory, Director Band Development & Markets, Tourism Ireland @ WTM 2007
Breaking Travel News interviews Simon Gregory, Director Band Development & Markets, Tourism Ireland at World Travel Market 2007 on the promotion of the whole island’s tourism product as well as the growing interest in Northern Ireland.