A Clare travel counsellor is fearing a surge in Air Fares as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
It comes as European airports are warning of a potential reduction in the number of services due to a shortage of jet fuel.
The International Air Transport Association’s jet fuel price index has highlighted a 13% worldwide increase in the cost of jet fuel in the last month, with prices up over 130% since April last year.
Brindisi airport in South-East Italy says it’s already run out of fuel and is asking airlines to fill their planes up elsewhere as Brent Crude oil rose to 111 dollars a barrel overnight.
Ennis travel counsellor Gearóid Mannion, says ‘there’s no doubt’ an increase in flight prices will be experienced if conflict continues into the Summer.
It’s claimed Clare is well placed to serve the domestic tourism market if people opt against holidaying abroad this year.
The most recent figures show 810,000 yearly visitors staying overnight in the county, while 13 hotels have been freed up from housing Ukrainian Refugees in that time.
Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, Séan Lally, says the county’s tourist industry is incredibly resilient and has consistently overcome any challenges it has faced.
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