Removal of air traffic curbs urged

A LEADING tourism figure yesterday made an urgent call for the removal of barriers on air traffic between Ireland the US.

Irish Hotels' Federation (IHF) chief executive John Power said a new agreement allowing increased air routes from the US would bring in almost 100,000 extra visitors each year, generating €64 million.

At present, 15% of all overseas visitors to Ireland are from the US, and this could increase to nearer 20%, or an additional one-million visitors per annum, within the next five years.