Representatives from the the tourism and travel sectors in Clare have predicted a rapid increase in demand for flights to the US in the coming months.
It follows the announcement that the US is relaxing its rules for international travel from early November.
Following what’s been described as a ‘positive bolt out of the blue’, fully vaccinated travellers from Europe will be able to visit the US from November.
The White House will lift the 18-month blanket ban, which has prevented most people from Europe visiting the States.
Non-US citizens have been effectively barred from travelling there since the pandemic took hold, except for some limited exemptions.
Founder of Aer Lingus Regional, Padraig O’Ceidigh says the return of transatlantic travel will give airlines and airports, including Shannon, a huge boost.
A Clare travel agent is expecting a rapid uptake in flights to the US, saying there’s pent up demand not only for holiday flights but for corporate flights also.
Last week United Airlines confirmed the resumption of flights between Shannon and Newark from March and Travel Counsellor Gearóid Mannion believes Aer Lingus and other airlines will follow suit.
The Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum has praised Shannon Group for its work in securing more flights out of Shannon this winter, than before the pandemic.
Sean Lally believes recent positive announcements from Ryanair and United Airlines will have positive repercussions not only for the tourism sector, but also for foreign direct investment companies based here.
The Ennis Hotelier insists it’s more important than ever that everyone ensures that Shannon’s recovery continues on this upward trajectory, saying it’s not just competing with Dublin, but with every airport in Europe.
