Air route agreement ‘would give 1bn boost’

IRELAND will welcome two million US visitors annually by 2014, representing a hike of 1 billion to the economy, if the open skies agreement is passed next month.

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) which held its 69th annual conference yesterday in the Slieve Russell, Cavan, believes the change of policy will be a major boost to Ireland’s tourist industry.

If confirmed next month the agreement will lead to an increase in direct air routes from the US.