Ireland Rolls Out the 'Welcome Mat' to U.S. Travelers

    NEW YORK, April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Ireland and Ireland's national airline,
 Aer Lingus are rolling out the Welcome Mat for American travelers this spring
 and summer by extending "1,000 Welcomes".
     Ireland, renowned for its hospitality, now wants American visitors to know
 they are more welcome than ever. "1,000 Welcomes" combines hundreds of special
 discounts and offers from travel companies across Ireland exclusively for
 American travelers flying on Aer Lingus this spring and summer. Offers from
 complimentary car hire upgrades to free extended stays at hotels to free spa
 treatments and much more are all included in this nationwide program in
 Ireland.
     Aer Lingus will also launch its "Welcome Fare" campaign as part of this
 program. The fares start at $149* for spring travel and only $199* for summer
 travel. In addition, in true welcoming style, Aer Lingus has eliminated a
 number of historical restrictions, including the need to stay a Saturday
 night, the requirement to stay a minimum number of days, and change fees
 (Fares can be changed once prior to and while in Ireland at no charge. See
 below for details).
     The program will start with a launch via a U.S. advertising campaign on
 Sunday, April 6, will include the distribution of a special "1,000 Welcomes
 Passport" and "savings guides" downloadable at www.aerlingus.com. There are
 over 400 partners in the program, including hotels, b&b's, car rental
 agencies; museums; parks; attractions; golf clubs; spas, restaurants and
 retailers throughout Ireland's eight regions.
     Jack Foley, Executive Vice President for Aer Lingus said, "I'm delighted
 to see the entire Irish travel industry come together to offer the American
 public such a true Irish Welcome. We are excited to be a part of "1,000
 Welcomes" by offering special fares with more flexible travel restrictions."
     The program offers customers a special "1,000 Welcomes Passport" via the
 internet at www.aerlingus.com. The passport, when shown to any of over 400
 sites in Ireland will permit the traveler to take advantage of the applicable
 discount or offer. The passport can be used at the participating sites through
 the end of August. Included in the program are golf clubs, tourist
 attractions, parks, restaurants, retailers and much more. For a complete list,
 log onto www.aerlingus.com
     Jim McGuigan, Tourism Ireland's Executive Vice President, North America
 said, "We are aware of the high interest in Ireland as a vacation destination
 and this program will stimulate travel to the Emerald Isle. Now, American
 travelers to any part of Ireland will be able to get great value on everything
 from airfares to pub meals and many things in between, as well as enjoying the
 warm Irish welcome always extended to our visitors from the United States."
     Aer Lingus is offering special spring and summer airfares from each of its
 five U.S. gateways. The pricing represents a savings of 35% over 2002 rates.
 Fares are available on the carrier's website www.aerlingus.com. For those who
 prefer to book via telephone, they may call their travel agent or 1-800-IRISH
 AIR for an additional $10 each way.
 
      Gateway(s)          Travel Dates        Aerlingus.com Fare (each-way)
      NY/BOS         01APR - 31MAY       $149*
      NY/BOS/BWI          01JUN - 30JUN       $179*
      NY/BOS/BWI          01JUL - 31AUG       $199*
 
      ORD            01APR - 31MAY       $209*
                     01JUN - 30JUN       $239*
                     01JUL - 31AUG       $259*
 
      LAX            01APR - 31MAY       $234*
                     01JUN - 30JUN       $289*
                     01JUL - 31AUG       $309*
 
 
      *Fares are one-way per person, economy class based on weekday roundtrip
       travel originating between specified dates from specified gateways to
       Shannon or Dublin via scheduled Aer Lingus transatlantic services.
       Additional $30 for weekend travel.  Dublin supplement may apply. Fares
       with * only available through www.aerlingus.com. through 04/21 /03. Full
       payment must be made at time of reservation. Offers apply to North
       American-originating passengers only. Taxes/fees/facility charges of up
       to $80 roundtrip not included. Fares also do not include the September
       11th security fee of $2.50 for each enplanement that originates at a
       U.S. airport. Flight restrictions/terms & conditions apply. Fares may
       not be available on all flights and dates, and are subject to change
       without notice.  Offers cannot be combined with any other
       discounts/promotions.  Tickets are non-transferable. Stopovers are not
       permitted. Seats are limited. Child/infant discounts available. Valid
       for new bookings only.  Other flights and dates available at an
       additional cost.  Frequent flyer mileage does not apply.
 
       1,000 WELCOMES POLICY: No minimum stay. Maximum stay: up to one year. No
       penalty for one change to itinerary made prior to departure (and before
       4/21/03). In the event of a cancellation, passenger receives 100% credit
       toward future Aer Lingus travel redeemable through 12/31/03. Credit is
       non-transferable and must be used in its entirety during one
       transaction.
 
 

SOURCE  Aer Lingus