Published on : Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Ten decision-makers from some of the top American business tourism companies, as well as journalists from two leading business publications, enjoyed a fact-finding visit to Northern Ireland, as guests of Tourism Ireland and destination management company, Irish Horizons.
One of the highlights of their time here was a visit to Ballywalter Park, Co Down, where Lord and Lady Dunleath gave them a tour of the house and gardens. The group’s itinerary was designed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
The group included two specialist journalists writing for the business tourism sector in the United States – for Global Traveler magazine and Hotel Management – as well as senior representatives of companies involved in the MICE (meetings, incentive, conferences and events) industry, who organise international conferences, meetings and large-scale incentive events around the world. They were here to discover more about the facilities and accommodation on offer in Northern Ireland, as well as the great experiences business delegates can enjoy here on the sidelines of their conference or meeting.
Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s head of North America, said: “We are delighted that these influential business tourism decision-makers have taken the time to visit Northern Ireland, to experience for themselves some of the superb facilities on offer here. Seeing is believing – so fact-finding visits like this are extremely important to help build awareness of the destination and our world-class business tourism offering among key influencers in the United States.
“Business tourism is an important, high yield sector and Tourism Ireland will continue to build awareness of Northern Ireland as a world-class destination for association conferences and incentive travel, this autumn. Our promotions are highlighting the ease of access to the island of Ireland, as well as the good value rates available for meetings and conferences and getting Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland known for excellence in business support.”
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.
Tags: northern ireland, Tourism Ireland
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