Fáilte Ireland boss urges airports to cut charges to boost tourism profits

Ireland will see a 6-7% rise in visitor numbers next year, but could enjoy greater returns from tourism with more competitive airport charges, said Fáilte Ireland chairman Michael Cawley.

He said European air passenger numbers will grow from 750 million to 950 million in the coming years. Ireland will see inward tourism grow by 6-7% due to increased air access, he told a business breakfast in the Kingsley Hotel, Cork, hosted by chartered accountants Paul O’Donovan & Associates.

“There are 205,000 people working in tourism, a sector which is set to employ another 50,000 in the next five years,” said the former Ryanair deputy CEO. “Aviation will grow by 6-7%, and we know that because we know exactly who has bought new aircraft.