Shannon Airport’s CEO Neil Pakey applauds Ryanair’s decision to extend its Liverpool service beyond the summer

2013-08-05— /travelprnews.com/ — The Chief Executive of Shannon Airport Neil Pakey said today that Ryanair’s decision to extend its Liverpool service beyond the summer is an excellent two-way opportunity to drive winter-season tourism here and on Merseyside.

The airline announced today that it will operate three times weekly to Liverpool through the winter season, having restored the route initially in March for the summer season only.  This will see the service go year round amount to an additional 12,500 seats over the 2013/14 winter season.

“Ryanair’s decision to extend the service for the winter schedule is an excellent opportunity to boost tourist numbers for the quieter time of the year into this region from Liverpool and vice versa,” said Mr Pakey.

“Liverpool has the strongest Irish heritage of any English city, even ahead of London, and this, in addition to the outstanding tourism package that we have on the western half of the country, is a real plus for attracting people in for short breaks over the winter.

“It’s a two way street as Liverpool is a great city to visit also.  It is, of course, synonymous with football, with Liverpool and Everton both having huge Irish fan bases and a great tradition of Irish players in their squads.  But it is far from just a football city.

“The world over knows about its music, in particular, as home of the Beatles. Its cultural offering really is world-class, with more museums and galleries than another UK city after London and it is also a former European City of Culture.  It has also fast become one of the UK’s leading business destinations so there are strong trade opportunities that we are keen to support.”

Mr Pakey said that the fact Liverpool is also now one of the UK’s leading shopping destinations adds to its attraction for short-breaks.  “The Liverpool ONE retail centre in the heart of Liverpool City has transformed Liverpool into one of Europe’s leading retail and leisure destinations and into one of the top five most popular retail destinations in the UK,” he added.

“All in all, it’s a city to visit for a number of compelling reasons and we are delighted to have Ryanair staying on for the winter season to enable our passengers have the option of going there and to attract Liverpudlians here.”

Robin Tudor Head of PR for Liverpool John Lennon Airport commented, “Shannon serves some of the most picturesque parts of Ireland and so for passengers from this part of the North West England to be able to enjoy the area’s unique Irish experience and hospitality year round, is great news for us.

“We also agree with Shannon Airport management that this route should be equally popular with visitors from the west of Ireland to Liverpool too. There is so much to see and do in and around Liverpool that caters for all tastes and we look forward to welcoming more visitors flying in from Shannon year round.”

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