€232m conference trade targeted

CONFERENCES worth €232 million to the economy have been targeted by Fáilte Ireland — with conferences worth €36m already secured for 2011.

Chairman of Fáilte Ireland’s business tourism forum, Peter Malone, said the country is well placed to be marketed as a business tourism destination.

“Ireland has always been a good fit for business tourism across all sectors — conferencing, incentive and corporate meetings. Last year’s opening of the Conference Centre Dublin strengthened our hand to win more business at the premium end of the international conference market.”

Keith McCormack of the organisation’s business tourism unit said business tourism has the potential to generate significant revenue for the economy after a number of conference ambassadors were recruited.

“The Business Tourism Unit encourages and supports both Irish and international businesses and associations to host their international meetings, conferences and incentive trips in Ireland, and over the last two years our research team has identified and recruited 181 conference ambassadors with the potential to bring in conferences worth over €232m in total to the Irish economy.”

Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Programme encourages Irish members of international organisations to bid for conferences and meetings here. A wide range of professional supports are made available to the ambassadors, including financial and practical assistance.

Mr McCormack added that notable conferences secured for this year include the sixth Congress of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation, TM Forum Management World 2011 and the 58th Session of the International Statistical Institute — yielding €13m to the Irish economy.

“International conferencing is a cut-throat competitive business and I am happy to report that we are punching above our weight. Next year and beyond is looking positive with 51 international conferences secured for Ireland with a combined value of €133.71m for the Irish economy.

“We are also actively supporting 83 other potential conferences for Ireland to host over the next few of years. If realised, these would bring in further overseas delegate numbers of 75,805 with revenue in the amount of €114m for our economy.”