Published on : Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Business tourism was worth €760 million to the Irish economy last year, marking a 35% increase since 2011. It supports 22,000 jobs and accounts for 16% of overseas spending, which is one of the highest yield sectors in tourism.
On average, each business delegate extends their stay by an additional three days beyond their business commitment.
Ireland has recently made its mark as a conference destination to a group of visiting US meeting planners from New York, Florida, Washington DC and California. It was hosted by Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland team, in partnership with Tourism Ireland, Kerry Convention Bureau and The Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau.
Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland manager, Ciara Gallagher said: “Business visitors want to immerse themselves in the culture of the country they’re visiting — it is the most lucrative form of tourism.”
Business tourists are not only looking for world-class venues and facilities. Meeting planners are seeking destinations with large clusters of aligned industries and leaders.
While Dublin continues to grab the lion’s share of the sector, regional centres are steadily exerting their individual attractions, bolstered by local attractions of scenic beauty, cultural history and sporting amenities, specifically golf.
Tags: Tourism Ireland