Minister welcomes new Belfast-NY route

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue welcomed the announcement today of a new Continental Airlines route between Belfast International Airport and New York's Newark Airport as "a major boost to tourism to the island of Ireland, particularly Northern Ireland and the North West".

“The daily service due to become operational by June 2005, represents a significant milestone in opening up the enormous potential of the US market to Northern Ireland and the border counties," Mr O’Donoghue said.

He added that improved air access is vital for the continued development of tourism throughout the island and a direct US service into Belfast will provide a huge impetus to the marketing efforts of Tourism Ireland.

Tourism Ireland’s chief executive Paul O'Toole said: "The new direct transatlantic air service will provide a significant boost in US visitor numbers as well as substantial economic benefits.

“US visitors tend to stay longer and spend more than other overseas visitors, particularly on shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and internal transport."