Cork Airport has teamed up with Ryanair and Tourism Ireland to promote flights to Cork from London (Stansted) and Liverpool as a way to grow tourist numbers to the South of Ireland this summer.

The campaign promotes Cork city and county and highlights Cork Airport as an important gateway and focal point to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East. The campaign is planned to reach five and half million potential British visitors. Great Britain is one of the most important markets for Irish tourism. It delivers over one quarter of all overseas tourism revenue and around half of all the overseas visitors to the island.

Tourism Ireland’s Deputy Head of Great Britain Julie Wakely, said: “We are delighted to partner with Ryanair and Cork Airport, to highlight great value fares on flights from Stansted and Liverpool and to help grow tourist numbers to the South of Ireland this summer. As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism.”

Working closely with airlines and tourism bodies has always been an important part of stakeholder engagement for Cork Airport. As a keen promoter and ambassador for tourism in Cork and the surrounding areas, Cork Airport is very much looking forward to Tourism Ireland’s drive for UK tourism this summer.

Managing Director at Cork Airport Niall MacCarthy said: “Promoting tourism has to be a collaborative effort and we are delighted to be on board with Tourism Ireland and Ryanair. Cork and the wider Munster area has so much to offer UK tourists, whether it be the stunning and untouched landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way or a sample of our famous hospitality and cuisine.

“Furthermore, Cork Airport is the ideal vantage point for UK tourists looking for an authentic and cultural experience, all the while maintaining close proximity to a metropolitan area. Cork Airport along with Tourism Ireland and Ryanair really look forward to greeting our London and Liverpudlian guests”, he added.

The campaign commenced on April 24 and runs until mid-May. It is a widespread campaign including ads on popular Liverpool and London radio stations, as well as online ads on websites used by the target market.