The Fáilte Ireland Business Tourism Forum has estimated that nearly 600,000 promotable business visitors will visit Ireland in 2013 and this will be worth €1bn to the Irish economy. Currently the sector attracts 295,000 visitors and is worth €447m to the economy. A significant portion of the expected growth in business tourism can be attributed to the recent decisions in relation to the National Convention Centre and VAT deductibility on accommodation expenses.
However the upcoming closures of a number of hotels in the Dublin City Centre is of concern. During 2007 it is expected that a number of major hotels in Dublin City centre will close. While the volume of bedrooms available will not be affected due to a number of hotels opening, many of these are being located on the edges of the city rather than the city centre, which has traditionally been the preferred location for business tourism delegates. The location of these hotels is not ideal for business tourists and may affect Ireland’s offering for this lucrative market.
Speaking at today’s event, Chairman of the Business Tourism Forum, Peter Malone said: "Business Tourism is an increasingly important element of the tourism mix. Its value goes beyond the money spent by delegates. Business and social contacts made and enhanced through the holding of events in Ireland clearly facilitate business and trade development long after the delegates disperse back across the world. Business Tourism has a higher per capita spend, operates at the high end of the market and it makes good economic sense to concentrate resources on making greater inroads into this lucrative market."
"While great strides have been made in developing business tourism, in the short term we are concerned about the lack of gala venues in Dublin City centre. There are very few locations in the centre of Dublin that can cater for 1,000 people or more. This will be rectified somewhat with the opening of the National Conference Centre. Under the National Development Plan Fáilte Ireland is endeavouring to identify a major historic building in Dublin City centre to be re-equipped for major event banqueting."
The Fáilte Ireland Business Tourism Forum was established to drive the overall strategic direction of Business Tourism in full consultation with the main sectoral interests. The group consists of experts in the business tourism sector and is under the chairmanship of Mr Peter Malone. Promotable business tourism means Ireland being selected as a destination for corporate meetings, incentive travel or international association conferences.
For further information contact: Fáilte Ireland on 01 8847145.