Derry Airport secures deal with Swiss tour operator

The City of Derry Airport has announced they have secured the continuing business of Swiss tour operator, IT Ireland Tours.

The Zurich-based tour operator, IT Ireland Tours, had previously operated a programme into Fermanagh for a number of years. But following the closure of Enniskillen airport St. Angelo, the tour operator had initially withdrawn the programme.

However this new deal will mean the Swiss operator will continue to operate package holidays from Switzerland to Northern Ireland commencing 4 May and running to early September.

Aimed at the Swiss and German tourist market, it is anticipated that several thousand will visit Northern Ireland during the summer months.

Welcoming the announcement, the Mayor of Derry, Mildred Garfield said she was delighted Northern Ireland’s only inbound charter flight had been successfully retained.

“This is an excellent result and I am delighted that Northern Ireland will be able to enjoy the many visitors from Switzerland and Germany who will be visiting the region. Tourism is a key industry for Northern Ireland and developments such as this show progress and growth.”

IT Ireland Tours currently operate to a number of regions throughout Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Galway and Knock. The tour operator specialises in holidays such as fishing, boating, walking and golfing primarily aimed at the Swiss and German market.

Othmar Friberg of IT Ireland Tours said: “Over the years we have operated a successful programme to the Fermanagh region primarily aimed at the leisure cruise market on Lough Erne. While much if this programme has been pre-sold for the summer 2002, our current brochure includes the North West region. We will also be selling seats between City of Derry and Zurich, details of this will be announced shortly.”

Airport Manager, Seamus Devine, said he was delighted to have been involved in helping to secure new business for the airport. “Obviously everyone is delighted at having secured this charter flight. The airport is continually looking for new business and at ways in which it can embrace new opportunities for the tourism and business sector. I am looking forward to welcoming the first passengers from Zurich to the airport next month.”

(AMcE)