Shannon Airport CEO Neil Pakey: Wild Atlantic Way project can be a tourism game-changer

Shannon, Ireland, 2014-2-28 — /Travel PR News/ — The Chief Executive of Shannon Airport, Neil Pakey, has said that the Wild Atlantic Way project has the potential in time to deliver for Atlantic coast counties on an ongoing basis what the Gathering did for the entire nation last year.

Welcoming the launch of the project today by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring T.D.,  Mr Pakey said that the Wild Atlantic Way will be a significant boon for tourism in the region.

“The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the smartest things that any tourism body across Europe has done for a long time.  It’s a game changing initiative and will give the type of fresh impetus to the tourism industry along the route on an annual basis that the Gathering did for the nation last year.

“Having not just the longest touring route in the world but one that brings tourists through some of the most scenic and unique locations in the world, is a massive advantage for the region.  It is essential to have this type of competitive edge because we compete here with every other region across the UK, Europe and further afield when it comes to tourism.

“Shannon Airport is in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way and the only international airport that has services to all of our three biggest markets, Europe, the UK and US.  As a result we have a significant part to play in making sure that the Wild Atlantic Way visitor experience is a premium one from beginning to end and intend to do that.

“The launch of the project is also timely as we are about to launch our summer season, which this year will see eight new destinations into Europe.  That means eight new markets for the Wild Atlantic Way to be promoted in.”

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