Calls have been made for a more targetted approach to be taken towards attracting international visitors to Clare through Shannon Airport.
Representatives from the tourism sector here have been echoing calls for an in-depth review to be carried out of the visitor spend here, so that service providers can create a product on the ground that will boost tourism numbers and lengthen their stay here.
The tourism sector was among the hardest hit when the pandemic took hold and businesses in Clare who’re heavily reliant on trade from international visitors say there’s a long road ahead in terms of recovery.
It’s led to calls for an in-depth review of tourism spend in this country, with a view to moulding our tourism product to cater for the needs of international visitors.
Michael Vaughan of Vaughan’s Lodge in Lahinch fears that current figures don’t stand up, as they’re not based on analysis from the CSO, but rather on forms filled out by passengers at the airport.
The Lahinch Hotelier believes that armed with the right information, tourism providers can build a product that will result in international visitors “beating a path to our door”.
Transatlantic flights are due to take off again in March and the Vice Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum believes a targetted approach should be taken to entice visitors to use Shannon Aiport as the gateway not only to the county, but attractions such as the Wild Atlantic Way too.
Maurice Walsh, who’s also the Genreal Manager of Durty Nelly’s in Bunratty, believes there’s too strong a focus on flying Irish passengers between Shannon and holiday destinations, rather than bringing international tourists here.
