The Government’s Tourism Policy Statement “People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025” is centred on Ireland achieving its full potential as a destination for overseas tourism.
In 2016, 2017 and 2018 €1m was made available through Tourism Ireland's Regional Co-operative Market Access Scheme for co-operative marketing activity to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions. This exchequer funding is supported by contributions from regional tourism stakeholders, including local authorities, as well air and sea carriers. I was pleased to be able to increase this allocation to €1.25 million in Budget 2019. Ireland West Airport Knock has been one of the regional airports to benefit from this fund.
Building international tourism market awareness of Ireland West Airport Knock is an operational matter for the board and management of Tourism Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this part of the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
