Kildare attractions showcase their wares to London business group

 PIC shows: Nick Wilson, Creative Travel and Event Management; Caitriona O’Mahoney, Mount Juliet; Rachel Deegan, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau; Cassandra Conway, The K Club and David Boyce, Tourism Ireland.

More than 40 top British meetings and events professionals enjoyed a taste of Kildare, at the annual ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ event in London.

‘Ireland Meets the West End’ is an annual event which is organised by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, to grow business tourism from Britain to the island of Ireland.

It proved to be a valuable opportunity for the Irish companies to showcase and sell their product for 2017 and to communicate what is unique about Ireland as a world-class destination for doing business.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Deputy Head of Great Britain, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted that so many top meetings and events professionals took the time to take part in our ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ event and meet our partners from Ireland – demonstrating their commitment and interest in the island of Ireland for 2017 and beyond.

"Business tourism is an important, high yield sector and Tourism Ireland has undertaken a busy programme of activity throughout 2016, to grow this type of tourism.

"Our promotions have been highlighting our world-class venues and facilities, ease of access from Great Britain, as well as the good value rates available for meetings and conferences. Our message to the buyers is that there’s never been a better time to do business in Ireland.”

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. Corporate meetings and association conferences continue to be the focus of Tourism Ireland’s business tourism promotions in GB.