News Release -
Two key semi-state companies undertake joint marketing initiative to boost West of Ireland economy
Shannon Development and Shannon Airport to coordinate efforts for benefit of region
Two of the West of Ireland’s key economic drivers, Shannon Development and Shannon Airport Authority, have launched a joint marketing initiative aimed at boosting the region’s economy.
The two companies have signed a marketing agreement which will see them work closer than ever on initiatives to get the best possible return for Shannon Airport and the West of Ireland.
The joint approach will focus on marketing and promotion of airline services at Shannon Airport. This is specifically aimed at delivering the best possible return from these services in the current economic environment and, beyond that, ensuring the region is best positioned to capitalise on any international market upswing.
In addition to focusing on ongoing marketing initiatives for driving tourism in the region and passengers to the airport, the initiative will also pursue new business opportunities under the recently signed Preclearance agreement between Ireland and the US that will later this year see Shannon Airport become the first airport outside of North America or the Caribbean to have full US Preclearance facilities in place.
Shannon Development’s primary role in the context of the agreement is the promotion of the Shannon Region and its tourism/visitor/business products in the international marketplace. The focus of Shannon Airport under the agreement will be the development of air services internationally and promotion of the airport as the premier gateway for outbound travel for Irish consumers.
Despite the difficult economic environment, an ambitious target of 1million visitors has been set for the Shannon Region this year, which would contribute a €300million spend to the regional economy.
Shannon Airport currently has direct commercial services to 11 countries and, with the resumption of the Shannon-Heathrow service on March 29th next as well as the enhanced Paris Charles de Gaulle service, will have one-stop connectivity through two of the top global aviation hubs to virtually all international market of significance for Ireland.
“Shannon Airport and Shannon Development have over a long period worked closely, cooperating on a number of joint ventures which have drawn on our respective strengths and it is our intention to develop this relationship further for the economic benefit of the Shannon Region and the West of Ireland in general,” said Martin Moroney, Shannon Airport Director.
“Having a regional development organisation in Shannon Development here is of critical importance to this region and it is incumbent that we work together for the greater good of our economy. This formal arrangement is also timely in terms of capitalising on the commencement of full Preclearance at Shannon for the US later this year.”
Chief Executive of Shannon Development Vincent Cunnane said that putting structure around the historical relationship between Shannon Development and Shannon Airport, not least in the current challenging environment, is essential for the economy. “More than ever now there is a need to maximise any synergies that exist and while there has been a close working relationship between Shannon Development and Shannon Airport over the years, this Joint Marketing Agreement will make sure our efforts to support and stimulate our economy will be even more coordinated and successful than before.
“Visitors and business promoters who arrive on direct flights spend more time and revenue in the region than those who arrive indirectly through other Irish gateways. Arising from this agreement we will be able to redouble our efforts to make sure we reach as deep as possible into international markets and get as many of those visitors to come directly to our region as possible.”
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For further information please contact:
Nandi O’Sullivan
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Tel: +353 61 710259
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