Ryanair calls on govt to axe the EU 10 tourist tax
Friday 2, April 2010
Ryanair, the world’s favourite airline, today (1st Apr 10) called on the Irish Govt to axe the €10 tourist tax after 4m fewer passengers (a slump of 13%) travelled through Irish Airports in the first 12 months of the tax.
While Irish traffic and tourism is devastated by this €10 tourist tax, Ryanair has continued to grow traffic strongly in those EU countries which don’t tax tourists, have competitive low cost airports and are more attractive to visitors than Ireland.
Recent independent analysis of Summer 2010 capacity across 25 airports shows capacity and traffic will grow in those EU countries which have scrapped tourist taxes and/or reduced airport charges (in some cases to zero) while Ireland suffers a 13% cut in summer 2010 capacity leading to further traffic and visitor collapses at the high cost DAA airports. These figures prove that the Irish Govt is wrong in claiming that Ireland’s decline is “an international phenomenon” while the rest of Europe grows, Irish traffic is collapsing because of the €10 tourist tax and the 40% increase in DAA fees.
Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:
“The first 12 months of the Govt’s €10 tourist tax shows that while Irish traffic collapsed by over 4million passengers Ireland’s biggest airline, Ryanair, grew by more than 7million. The Irish Govt’s €10 tourist tax continues to damage Irish tourism while Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Holland and Spain return to growth having scrapped tourist taxes and/or reduced airport charges, in some cases to zero.
“Ireland cannot grow tourism by taxing tourists and raising airport charges. The Govt should ‘axe the tax’ and slash the DAA’s high charges as a matter of urgency before even more damage is done to Ireland’s vital tourism industry by this Government’s €10 tourist tax”.
Latest news
Tourism
Business travelers want latest technology and best gadgets
Auckland Zoo named one of NZ elite tourist attractions
Caribbean and Mediterranean losing beach tourism market to Southeast Asia
Aviation
Boeing: China will lead the Asia Pacific region in new airplane deliveries
British Airways begins installing new seats in Euro Traveller cabin
American Airlines drops free meals on short haul flights
Hospitality
First capsule hostel to open in Antwerp, Belgium
Marriott named to World's Most Innovative Companies List
Marriott Hotels debuts - healthy vending machine
Find the best deals available today
The grey menu on the right is your best friend. Always check before you travel.
Plan your trips with the help of great resources
More and more travellers think that researching and planning a European city break is half the fun and they're not interested in pre-arranged trips or escorted tours. Self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages but require some guidance and good resources.
Clean, green and very pristine
Top 10 most environmentally pure countries
With the recent wild fires, disrupting flights and increasing air pollution, environmental quality is a growing factor in attracting tourists.
Rooftop
Top 15 most spectacular hotel rooftop views
The hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk has put together a list of the fifteen most spectacular hotel rooftop terraces in the world.
Pro city guides
Places by themes
Latest offers, discounts and more...
Accor “3=2 offerâ€Why not extend your stay? 3 nights for the price of 2.
Columbus Direct travel insuranceQuality cover at low prices to customers all around the world.
Priority passAccess VIP lounges no matter where which airline and class you fly.
European City CardsSee more and pay less! Get your "passport" to European cities.
Rail EuropeComfortable and affordable on European trains.
Lonely Planet MagazinePacked with insider knowledge, hints and tips.
Sandemans New Europe City ToursFree walking tours in 13 cities within 9 countries.
Sol Melia WednesdaysSearch your exclusive special offers now for the coming weekend!
TransfersLow-cost shuttle and private transfers in over 70 countries.
IMEX Frankfurt 25-27 MayThe essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
