Skiing holiday numbers rise
Figures revealed by the airport show that the tourist hub is witnessing an upsurge in winter leisure enthusiasts benefiting from TopFlight and Aer Lingus offers.
In the first four years of the recession, the hit on people’s pockets caused a drop in numbers seeking out the slopes of Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, and other destinations to almost 9,000.
However, last year saw a slight increase in demand as better value deals emerged.
Cork Airport marketing manager Kevin Cullinane said bookings for the 2013 ski season — which began at the weekend and will last into April — are up another 4% on the 2012 rate.
Pointing to the dual impact of better value deals and greater public interest as a result of Cork City Council’s plans to build an all-weather ski centre at the Glen leisure facility next summer, Mr Cullinane said the trend is ensuring vital funds continue to come into the airport.
“Bookings fell after peaking around 2007-08, but this is the second year running that they’re on the rise.,” said Mr Cullinane. “There are good deals, initiatives for schools and active retirement groups and for ordinary skiers.
“And when you look at the impact of Kilternan [the all-weather ski centre located in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains] and how that has increased interest there, you can see when Cork replicates that, the interest will rise again.”
TopFlight, in conjunction with Aer Lingus, is flying out all ski trips from Cork, and is offering some deals to Austria for between €299 and €479 per week, including flights, transfers and accommodation.
