Northern Ireland ‘meets’ London’s West End.
Promoting the island of Ireland for business tourism.
Forty-five (45) top meetings’ and events’ professionals attended ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ in London. The annual B2B event – organised by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Tourism NI and Fáilte Ireland – saw the buyers meet, and do business with, some 37 tourism businesses from across the island of Ireland, including Hastings Hotels.
The aim of ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ is to grow business tourism from Great Britain to the island of Ireland. The event provides a valuable opportunity for the companies from Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland to showcase and sell their product and to convince the buyers to confirm their meetings and events in the island of Ireland for 2020 and beyond.
Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted that so many top meetings and events professionals from Great Britain took the time to attend our ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ event and meet our partners from across the island of Ireland – demonstrating their commitment and interest in the island of Ireland for 2020 and beyond.”
Business tourism is the most lucrative form of tourism, with visitors travelling to Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland for business purposes spending almost three times more than the average visitor. Corporate meetings and association conferences continue to be the focus of Tourism Ireland’s business tourism promotions in Britain.
Julie Wakley continued: “Business tourism is an important, high yield sector and Tourism Ireland has undertaken a busy programme of activity throughout 2019, to grow business from this sector. Our promotions have been highlighting our world-class venues and facilities, as well as ease of access from Great Britain and the unique experiences on offer across the island of Ireland.”
‘Meet in Ireland’ is the official MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) brand for the island of Ireland. It comprises three tourism authorities – Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Fáilte Ireland – who work in partnership to promote the island of Ireland as a leading conference and meeting destination.
