NI Tourism should prepare for more expensive flights, says report
Northern Ireland's tourism industry should prepare for a future in which climate change mitigation has made air travel more expensive, a report says. The research paper from the Department for the Economy considers challenges over the next decade . It says rising air travel costs "may limit affordability for external tourists". It added the sector will have to "mitigate against airplane dependency and the rise of carbon prices". Air routes are the major way in which overseas tourists arrive in Northern Ireland. The research states: "The dependency on air travel creates a high risk as carbon prices may continue to rise in the future, resulting in a reduction of airline demand. "Northern Ireland will need to strike the balance between managing the risks associated with rising carbon prices and maintaining connectivity of airports between target tourist markets." Air travel is one of the most controversial areas of net-zero emissions policy: it will be difficult to run jet engines using less-polluting technologies and government's are reluctant to agree to measures which will make travel more expensive . The research uses examples from other countries to suggest that any extra taxes should be used to fund climate and environmental projects. The study also says that the industry needs to anticipate and limit the problem of "over tourism", which is when the numbers and behaviour of tourists negatively impacts local communities. This has been seen in cities like Amsterdam which recently ran a campaign discouraging visits from young British men . The research points to the impact tourism is already having on housing stress along the north coast . It suggests a pilot scheme for tougher regulations covering short stays rents and digital booking platforms in specific locations. Guilt-free flying not in easy reach - scientists Greener flights will cost more, says industry Morocco rescuers dig with bare hands as foreign aid sent US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit 'Everyone in this village is either dead or missing' A Serbian scientist's long quest to name Srebrenica's dead How chronic pain feels for me. Video How chronic pain feels for me Guyana scrambles to make the most of oil wealth The spongy creatures cleaning Zanzibar's oceans. Video The spongy creatures cleaning Zanzibar's oceans Inside a 'hijacked' South African building. Video Inside a 'hijacked' South African building The rise and fall of a parenting influencer Florida's first hurricane-proof town The greatest spy novel ever written? Why is everyone crazy about Aperol? 2023 BBC.