Tourist tax blamed for regional decline

YOUR report headlined ‘Overseas visitors to mid-west down by 27%’ (February 12) highlighted the collapse in tourism there last year.

This collapse will intensify in 2010 while the Government continues to target tourists with its insane €10 tourist tax, and the DAA monopoly controlled Shannon airport refuses to become realistic on costs.

When the tourist tax was first mooted by Government, Ryanair predicted this collapse in Irish tourism, especially in the mid-west. However, the future for the region does not have to be bleak. If the Government axes the €10 tourist tax and Shannon airport becomes competitive with comparable airports elsewhere in Europe, Ryanair can once again increase tourism and passengers to the mid-west.

The future of mid-west tourism is firmly in the hands of Government and the Government-controlled DAA monopoly — it is time to axe the tax.

Stephen McNamara

Head of Communications

Ryanair Head Office

Dublin Airport