PIC SHOWS: Representatives from BBI Travel, Emerald Airlines, Groningen Airport Eelde and Ireland West Airport Knock, with Karen van der Horst, Tourism Ireland (seventh left); and Ann Derwin, Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands (centre), at an event to mark the inaugural BBI Travel charter flight from Groningen in the Netherlands to Ireland West Airport Knock.
Tourism Ireland warmly welcomes a new charter flight from Groningen in the Netherlands to Ireland West Airport Knock, which operated its inaugural flight on Saturday, 7 June. The new service, operated by Emerald Airlines on behalf of leading Dutch tour operator BBI Travel, will run weekly until the end of August, bringing holidaymakers from the North of the Netherlands directly to the Wild Atlantic Way.
A special event was held in Groningen Airport Eelde to mark the inaugural flight, with the Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands in attendance, as well as representatives of Tourism Ireland, BBI Travel, Emerald Airlines and Ireland West Airport Knock. Travellers checking in for the flight enjoyed live Irish music and a fun send-off which included a popular local influencer called TikTok Tammo.
The charter service will operate once weekly, with capacity for up to 70 passengers per flight. BBI Travel is offering one and two-week package holidays to Ireland this summer, with the charter flight included as part of the trip.
Tourism Ireland is working closely with BBI Travel to support the new charter flight, rolling out an extensive marketing campaign across the Netherlands, which includes outdoor, print and radio advertising, video and online content, social media activity, B2B communications with Dutch travel agents, as well as influencer marketing – all designed to raise awareness of the new service and encourage Dutch travellers to choose Ireland for their next holiday.
Karen van der Horst, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Northern Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new charter service from Groningen to Ireland West Airport Knock. This flight represents a valuable opportunity to grow holiday visitor numbers from the Netherlands to the Wild Atlantic Way this summer. As an island destination, direct access is critical to tourism growth, so we greatly welcome this new flight. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with BBI Travel, Emerald Airlines and Ireland West Airport Knock to maximise its success.”
