2017 Meet in Ireland Industry Briefing and SITE Forum
On 1 February 2017, a Meet in Ireland Industry Briefing and SITE Education Forum event took place at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, in Dublin.
Fáilte Ireland plans for the sector were delivered at a top level industry briefing for key players in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) sector; attendees heard that the tourism authority will this year identify 550 leads for industry partners - a 10% increase on 2016.
As one of the highest yield sectors in tourism, business tourism is growing year on year thanks to our competitive ranking in the international arena. Recent survey results have revised the value of each Business Tourism delegate upwards to €1,643 in 2016 (up from €1,500 in 2015 and €1,400 in 2014).
Last year, the Fáilte Ireland Business Tourism and Events supported and converted €151m worth of business for the current and future years — €10m above its 2016 target. In addition, the team supported a further €27.2m in business won for regional Ireland.
The industry event was run in conjunction with the global SITE (The Society of Incentive Travel Excellence) Summit, following a successful bid from Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with SITE Ireland to bring the international society for incentive travel to Ireland. The Society shared their global insights, trends and tips with Irish businesses and, reflecting the energy in the sector, this Irish event drew the largest attendance yet for a SITE summit anywhere.