Eight Irish tourism organisations travelled to Brussels recently, to participate in the ‘Meet in Ireland’ networking event, which was organised by Tourism Ireland.
The headquarters of more than 2,000 associations are based in Brussels, making the city an important source of association conferences and business tourism for Ireland. The event was attended by some of the top conference and meeting planners based in Belgium. It provided a valuable opportunity for the participating Irish companies such as hotels, professional conference organisers and convention bureaux, to showcase their product and communicate what is unique about the island of Ireland as a conference and business tourism destination.
Danielle Neyts, Tourism Ireland Belgium, said: “Given that the headquarters of more than 2,000 associations are located in Brussels, it makes sense for us to proactively target this sector. These associations regularly hold conferences for thousands of delegates in different venues around the world, delivering significant economic benefits to the host country."
Business tourism is the most lucrative form of tourism, with visitors travelling here for business purposes spending about 2.5 times more than the average visitor.
Neyts continued: "Business tourism is an important, high yield sector and Tourism Ireland in Belgium has a busy programme of promotions under way throughout 2014, to grow this type of tourism. This type of networking event provides Tourism Ireland, and our industry partners, with a wonderful opportunity to highlight our world-class business and conference facilities, as well as the great experiences delegates can enjoy in Ireland on the sidelines of their conference or meeting.”
Pictured at the event from left to right: Bronagh McKee, Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin; Cathy Joyce, Citywest Hotel, Dublin; Orla Kraft and Zoë Redmond, both Tourism Ireland; Susan Sheahan, Clyde Court Hotel, Dublin; Michelle Murphy, Kerry Convention Bureau; Lindsey Williamson, Visit Belfast; Patricia McColgan, Abbey Conference & Corporate; Christoph Haustein, Tifco Hotels; Jennifer Churchward, Fáilte Ireland; Elaine McPartlan and Danielle Neyts, both Tourism Ireland.
