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New Tourism Campaign Celebrates ‘The Best of the North West’


THE Best of the North West will be showcased


widened over the coming weeks as part of an exciting new collaborative tourism campaign launched today (1 April 2022) by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, working in partnership with Visit Derry & Donegal Tourism CLG. The £90,000 domestic marketing initiative will


shine a light on all the Northwest has to offer, aimed at encouraging local people and visitors to book a staycation right on their own doorstep. This campaign is funded through the North West Development Fund, in conjunction with The Executive Office and the Irish Government.


The campaign is part of the North West Regional Development Programme which aims to grow the value of the visitor economy. This follows on from the North West Tourism Product Development Programme, which was launched last year, supporting 30 tourism businesses on both sides of the border in developing new collaborative, bespoke products to enhance the region’s tourism offering, which will now feature within the marketing campaign.


The campaign captures the ease of exploring both destinations on one trip, highlighting the vast range of unique attractions available under four themes of nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation. It will also will strongly focus on the Northwest’s unique location on the island as a gateway and great base to exploring explore both the breath taking Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route.


Ryanair Launch New Madeira Service From Dublin Airport


RYANAIR have launched their new direct service


from Dublin to Madeira, Portugal. This landmark FN 364 service departed at 4:15 pm and heralds a new era for both Portugal and Ryanair.


For those dreaming of holidaying on the idyllic island, renowned for its spectacular and lush landscape, rich culture, and friendly and hospitable people, this new direct route from Dublin (IATA: DUB) to Madeira (IATA: FNC, Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport) allows great connectivity for Irish visitors. With a flight duration of just 3 hours and 40 minutes, customers can enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Madeira. Visit Portugal welcomes these new direct flights which will allow for increased connectivity to the beautiful island of Madeira for holidaymakers. Commenting on the new route, Susana Cardoso,


Director of Visit Portugal Ireland, said, “Today, we are celebrating the launch of Ryanair’s direct route from Dublin to Madeira. Portugal is one of the top holiday destinations for Irish tourists and this new service connecting Ireland with the beautiful island of Madeira allows even more connectivity between our two countries.” Ms. Cardoso continued “Cristiano Ronaldo’s home


island is the perfect destination for Irish holidaymakers who are looking for sun all year round. Madeira’s luxurious vegetation and beautiful landscape make it a great choice for Irish tourists who want to enjoy the great outdoors and explore the island through a range of activities, such as whale and dolphin watching, walking, hiking and cycling. I am looking forward to showcasing all Madeira has to offer to the Irish market”. This new Ryanair service from Dublin to Madeira will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays. This new route comes as Ryanair launches its first base in the Madeira, connecting the island with mainland Portugal and six European countries, including Ireland,


Alderman Graham Warke and Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Councillor Jack Murray


The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Jack Murray, said: “A collaborative approach to local tourism would make the offering here even more compelling for visitors. The experiences we have in the Northwest are second to none and visitors will find excellent value for money deals across the region .” John G Mc Laughlin CEO DCC, Chairman


Donegal Tourism CLG, said “This joint marketing initiative provides the region with a great opportunity to increase its profile within the national market. Given restrictions have been lifted and businesses are reopening this presents the region with access to both local markets along with markets across the island” . The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman


Graham Warke, joined the Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Councillor Jack Murray, for the launch, and reinforced the message that holidaying at home offers a wealth of new experiences. “I think the events of the past two years have definitely instilled a greater awareness of the many beautiful places and unique cultural experiences we have right here on our own doorstep,” Ald Warke declared. “We are blessed with stunning natural surroundings, from the scenic Sperrins to the many beautiful beaches of Donegal, and there are a whole host of historic sites to explore that tell the unique story of our place.


Adding that, ”Our urban centres offer a Legenderry food experience, and we are renowned the world over for the warmth of our hospitality. There’s something to appeal to everyone, whether embracing action and adventure, or sampling first class culture and cuisine are your idea of the perfect holiday. I am delighted to take this partnership approach to tourism, working closely with our neighbours in Donegal to our mutual benefit. This campaign will really showcase the full package of experiences on offer throughout the entire Northwest, embracing the best of both sides of the border.” The Best of the Northwest campaign will capture the vast range of unique attractions available under the four themes of nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation. As the tourism industry gradually recovers after the devastating impact of the Covid-19 crisis, the initiative aims to drive up visitor numbers and increase spend in the region.


Aimed at families, groups and couples, North and South of the border, it will provide inspiration for anyone planning a holiday, with an extensive digital and traditional media campaign running over the next six weeks. It will focus on the vibrant, cultural experiences on offer in the Walled City of Derry which are complemented by the rugged coastline and breathtaking beauty of Donegal.


British Airways Short Haul European Flights Return to Gatwick Millar Smith, British Airways Euroflyer Crew member,


AFTER two years British Airways returns to


international short-haul flying from Gatwick Airport today (Tuesday 29 March), as its first service departed for Larnaca at 6:25am. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic the airline


suspended its European operation at Gatwick Airport, moving a number of flights over to Heathrow. Today marks a milestone in the airline’s recovery as it finally returns to international short-haul flying from the airport. Initially services will operate under the British Airways Air Operators Certificate


(AOC), before


moving operations to a new British Airways branded subsidiary, BA Euroflyer* later in the year. Te new airline will operate in a similar manner to the company’s existing subsidiary BA Cityflyer, flying under the British Airways brand and delivering a premium British Airways product. On the first day of operation, British Airways will


operate four short-haul flights to Larnaca, Amsterdam, Paphos and Tenerife. In total, customers will have the choice of 35 destinations to fly to from Gatwick, before more destinations are added later this year. Not only has the British Airways return to Gatwick


created more choice for customers, but also helped create jobs as the airline undertook both a cabin crew and pilot recruitment campaign to fill positions at its new subsidiary. Tom Stoddart, Acting CEO British Airways Euroflyer,


said “Today marks a significant milestone for British Airways as we operate our first European services from Gatwick in two years.” “I am really proud of what we have created at Gatwick,


we have an excellent team with lots of new and exciting talent. I am looking forward in anticipation to see our newest subsidiary grow, adding new routes and providing customers with more options to get away on holiday with a premium British Airways service.”


said: “I was over the moon when I found out that I had been accepted as crew for British Airways, it is my dream job! Before this I worked as a 999 handler for the London Ambulance Service, which has been incredibly useful throughout my training with the airline. British Airways is a premium British airline and that is what excited me about the job role. My first service will be to Tenerife and I can’t wait!” Customers flying on the airline’s new subsidiary


will receive the same high level of service they expect of British Airways as well as enjoying the benefits of travelling with the UK’s flag carrier including a generous baggage allowance, free water and snacks, free seat selection at -24 hours and frequent flyer benefits which include lounge access. All of the airline’s services will have a Club Europe


(business class) cabin setting it apart from its no frills competitors. Customers flying in this cabin will have access to a premium check-in experience, exclusive lounges and a complimentary gourmet meal and bar service on board. Customers in the airline’s Euro Traveller (economy)


cabin will be able to purchase food before travel which will include fresh options from Tom Kerridge as part of the airline’s ‘Speedbird Café’ menu and / or order ambient products and drinks onboard via their mobile phone. Te return of European short-haul flying from


Gatwick comes a day aſter the airline returned to its home at Gatwick South Terminal following its reopening. To mark the occasion the airline also showed off its new dedicated World Traveller Plus check-in zone which is available for customers flying on a long-haul service with the airline. Te new zone which sits alongside the airline’s Club World desks gives those travelling in its World Traveller Plus cabin (premium economy) an exclusive check-in experience.


Managing Director of Manchester Airport Resigns


MANAGING Director of Manchester Airport, Karen Smart, has resigned following frenzied scenes at the major airport. Smart took up the post of Managing Director of Manchester Airport in July 2020. Her resignation comes as chaotic queues caused by


staff shortages resulted in significant delays and missed flights for many travellers. These significant disruptions resulted in Manchester


Santana in Madeira, Portugal


Mayor, Andy Burnham calling for emergency services to be station in the terminal to help alleviate pressures. Speaking about Smart’s resignation, Charlie Cornish, Manchester Airport’s Group Chief executive stated, “Over the last two years, Karen has guided Manchester


Airport through the most challenging period of its 84- year history, having made a major contribution to MAG throughout her time with the business.”


Adding that, “I am sorry to lose Karen after her years of valuable service, but also understand her desire to return to the South for family reasons and indeed to explore new career opportunities.” To help solve ongoing issues ahead of the UK’s holiday season, Ian Costigan will take on the role of interim managing director and push forward a recruitment drive for Manchester Airport. Manchester Airport are urging customers to arrive


at the earliest possible time for check-in as airport staff work hard to keep waiting time to a minimum.


Finnair prepare for landing this summer


April/May 2022 Travel News


Finnair Announce New Mumbai Service For 2022


FINNAIR has unveiled its latest Asian service to Mumbai in India as part of its updated 2022 summer schedule.


The new route to Mumbai is the latest in a series


of changes being made to the Finnish flag-carrier’s schedules as they adapt to the closure of Russian airspace.


Now Finnair connects customers from its Helsinki


hub to almost 70 destinations throughout Europe, five in North America and eight across Asia, including Mumbai. Ole Orvér, Finnair Chief Commercial Officer, said “Summer sees us increasing flights to over 300 daily flights.”


Adding that, “We continue to serve our key Asian destinations despite the longer routings caused by Russian airspace closure, and also have an excellent offering in Europe and North America.” Frequencies across Finnair’s European network have been adjusted following the reduction in transfer traffic. Those customers affected by flight changes are contacted via email and text messages, and offered the choice of either changing their date of travel or seeking a refund, if they don’t want to use an alternative flight or if re-routing is not available.


Finnair continues to serve key destinations in Asia


with daily flights to Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore and Tokyo, three weekly flights to Seoul, twice a week to Hong Kong, one weekly frequency to Shanghai, and now Mumbai, thrice a week. Apart from flights to Tokyo, other services to Japan have been temporarily suspended for the summer 2022 season, due to the Russian airspace closure. Finnair had originally been scheduled to serve Tokyo Narita and Haneda airports, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka with 37 weekly flights. Finnair is also postponing the start of its new Busan route. Finnair’s flights to the US will be boosted by the


start of new services to Dallas Fort Worth on March 27, operating four times a week with onward connections to American Airlines’ extensive network. The airline’s second new route, to Seattle, opens on June 1 with three weekly frequencies. Finnair also flies daily to New York JFK and Chicago, and to Los Angeles three times a week, as well as operating daily direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda to New York JFK and to Los Angeles four times a week. Across Europe, Finnair flies to almost 70 destinations, including popular holiday destinations such as Alicante, Chania, Lisbon, Malaga, Nice, Porto and Rhodes, all served with several weekly frequencies.


Those seeking city experiences will enjoy the often double daily connections to keyy European cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Hamburg, Milan, Paris, Prague, Rome and London and multiple daily flights to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. For further information on flights and Finnair’s new service to Mumbai please visit finnair.com


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