Cardiff Airport has become the first regional airport to join UKinbound, re-affirming its position as a key gateway to the UK for leisure and business visitors.
Currently 30% of Cardiff Airport customers are visitors to the country, from destinations across Europe and further afield, however with over 3.5 million* international visitors travelling to Wales and the south west of England each year, a key objective of joining UKinbound will be to help increase the number of inbound passengers using the airport as the entry and/or departure point to the country.
The airport also recently welcomed a new Qatar Airways service between Cardiff and Doha which has created a wealth of new opportunities for visitors to fly into the UK from long haul destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and India.
Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “As a key gateway to the UK and the national airport for Wales, we are committed to strengthening our position within the industry and to promote all of the economic and employment benefits that come with more inbound tourism.
“Cardiff Airport is a convenient gateway for those visiting the UK for leisure, business, for further education or to visit family and friends.
“Joining UKinbound will connect us with key global tour operators who, when planning trips into the UK for their customers, should consider flights into/ out of Cardiff Airport as an easier, more convenient alternative to the bigger airports. Visitors will have an opportunity to explore Wales and the south west of England – both of which have so much to offer.”
Mark McVay, chairman of UKinbound added, “One of our key priorities is to help support and promote tourism and new tourism product across the nations and regions of the UK. Following our successful Annual Convention in Cardiff earlier this year, we are delighted that Cardiff Airport have joined the Association which will help to foster greater collaboration with the travel trade in bringing new inbound business to the area.”
