Ryanair, an Ireland-based low cost airline, is partnering with Tourism Ireland, at Dublin Airport, in Ireland.
In an initiative to help promote Irish tourism, the airline is welcoming Irish football fans who are en route to support their team at the 2012 UEFA European Football Championships in Poland, with over 2,000 giant green hands that are being given out to Ryanair passengers.
Around 20,000 Irish fans are flying with Ryanair to the Championships, which are being held in Poland and Ukraine throughout June.
Michael Cawley, the airline deputy chief executive, said, ‘Euro 2012 fever has well and truly gripped Ireland and Ryanair is delighted to bring thousands of Irish fans to Poland for the European Championships. Ryanair passengers will know all about ‘great saves’ with our guaranteed lowest fares and we hope Ireland can follow Ryanair’s success and become Europe’s number 1.’
The chief executive officer of Tourism Ireland, Niall Gibbons, said, ‘Visitors repeatedly tell us that what distinguishes Ireland from other destinations is the friendliness of the Irish people and the warm welcome that people receive when they come here. Ireland’s football fans always generate immense goodwill when they travel abroad to support their team – even going back as far as Italia ’90 when we saw how the fans became ambassadors for Ireland through their good humour, wit and friendliness. Euro 2012 is another excellent platform for us to remind fans from across Europe about what Ireland has to offer. Our ‘big green wave’ promotion with Ryanair is a great way for us to deliver the message that Ireland is a fun destination and that there has never been a better time to visit.’
