The long and windy road to travel recovery has taken a sudden boost in Ireland as the second quarter is set to make the first growth since early 2008.

The boost has come alongside the introduction of new tourism industry Taskforce to work with the State tourism industry in the design and monitoring of the plan to encourage more visitors.

Incoming Chairman John Healy explained that since 2008, the travel industry had taken a serious knock as businesses suffered a revenue decrease of 1.7 billion Euros.

While the growth is predicted to be slow, the news comes as a great welcome after three long years suffering. It also comes as a great relief to businesses throughout Ireland who have suffered at the loss of visitors.

Minister of Tourism, Leo Varadkar also made another shocking announcement to the travel industry, confirming discussions that the Irish Government and airlines about the abolishment of the controversial 3 Euros air travel tax.

Discussions are taking place with Ryanair and Aer Lingus who are hoping to strike a deal in removing the tax in plans to re-open previously closed airline routes, widening the chance for more visitors in Ireland.

The tax was introduced in 2009, costing travellers 10 Euros per person, who was hoping to travel distances of more than 300km.

The plan is suggested to make it easier for travellers from growing economies to visit Ireland.

Reported by Claire Blackthorne.

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