The Irish government – more specifically its tourism arm Bord Failte – has failed the nation’s tourist industry, charge three national airlines in a confidential report leaked to the Irish Independent newspaper.
“Not doing enough advertising and promotion” in the aftermath of the September 11 tragedies is alleged by the airline trio, Aer Lingus, Cityjet and Ryanair. The disastrous decline in tourism was compounded both by the global economic slowdown and Britain’s foot and mouth epidemic among cattle and sheep.
The report, prepared by aviation expert Professor Rigas Doganis, urges Ireland’s civil aviation industry to offer substantial discounts for the 2002 tourist season. Local airports should also be encouraged to welcome low-cost airlines.
News source: BrandRepublic (UK)
