Tourism leaders in the south-east have been urged to support efforts to expand the services operating from Waterford Regional Airport.
In an annual report confirming that tourism in the region broke records last year, the South-East Regional Tourism Authority said access was the single most critical factor in developing the industry.
In a foreword to the report, the organisation's manager, Mr Joe Palmer, said the region was lucky to be served directly by Ireland's top two sea carriers, Irish Ferries and Stena Line. "However, we must also look closely to our regional and national airports to secure our share of their growing traffic. In that regard, it is important the industry should support the campaign for extended services into Waterford Regional Airport," he said.
"I urge the industry to get its promotional weight behind the new Luton-Waterford service to ensure it succeeds and expands, as is the ambition." The airport's closure was averted in March by an enhanced Government package and local funding.
The authority's chairman, Mr Pat Crotty, called on the Government to provide the "essential support" needed to help it through the challenges posed by the foot-and-mouth crisis.
"In my view, tourism ranks side by side with agriculture among the nation's great natural assets . . . Many businesses large and small will likely come under pressure. A sympathetic, helpful approach will be necessary to secure the future of Irish tourism and many of the people who work in it," he said.
Highlights for tourism operators in the region last year included a 9 per cent increase in bookings and a 10 per cent rise in bed nights. Membership of South-East Tourism increased from 277 to 1,580. Its annual general meeting will be held at the Hotel Minella in Clonmel on Thursday, May 24th.