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Minister travels on NAI’s inaugural flight from Cork Airport to ProvidenceMinister travels on NAI’s inaugural flight from Cork Airport to Providence
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin TD led a delegation on Norwegian Air International’s (NAI) inaugural transatlantic flight from Cork Airport to Providence last Thursday. The two day trip took in elements across Rhode Island including Providence and Newport, highlighting the importance of connectivity with our partners in the US.
Speaking after the visit Minister Griffin said: “I was delighted to lead Cork’s Airport delegation on their first transatlantic crossing on this route. These services mark a momentous new chapter in the transatlantic aviation market and connectivity between Ireland and the US, and has the potential to bring an estimated 20,000 visitors per annum into the region, with particular benefits for Cork, Kerry and Waterford.
Aviation has always played an important role in maintaining links between Ireland and the strong Irish diaspora community in the US. We have seen continuous growth in the visitor numbers from North America and these additional connections are key to the continued success of our Tourism brand in Ireland. What is particularly welcome about this new route is that it is providing direct access from the US to a regional airport.
“In 2016, we welcomed 9.5 million overseas visitors to our shores – up 9% on 2015. Overseas tourism contributed €4.6 billion to the Irish economy – up 11% on the previous year. An amazing 10% of all American visitors to Europe now visit Ireland. I am glad to say that this encouraging trend shows no sign of abating. Early indications are that 2017 is on track to be another record year from North America.
NAI’s decision to launch multiple low-cost transatlantic services from Cork, Shannon and Dublin in summer 2017 is an important development in the transatlantic aviation market and will contribute further to the growth currently being experienced by all of our State Airports. I hope those links will continue to flourish.”
Minister Griffin also met with Governor of Rhode Island, Gina Raimondo, who he invited to Ireland, and following this delegation a return trade mission will now come to Ireland in the autumn.