A group of top UK event planners will be spending this weekend in Cork and Kerry on an educational trip, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland. The trip provides the opportunity to showcase the region and to expand their knowledge of what Ireland has to offer UK planners for exclusive incentive programmes and corporate meetings, so that they can encourage their corporate clients in the UK to host their next event in Ireland.
Each of the event planners represent clients based in a number of different industries in the UK market including automotive, insurance, finance, pharmaceutical and IT. They will spend the next few days discovering the many attractions in the region that cater for corporate clients. Included in their trip was a visit to the Cork City Gaol, the Franciscan Well and English Market and Kinsale for a sailing experience in Cork and while in Kerry the group will spend time in Killarney Park, Muckross House and a site visit to the Great Southern Hotel.
Ciara Gallagher, Fáilte Ireland, explained –
“With the uncertainty caused by Brexit, it is more important than ever that we put our front foot forward in attracting our nearest overseas market to Ireland. By highlighting Ireland and indeed Cork and Kerry to these UK event planners, it will provide them with numerous reasons to sell Ireland as a prime incentive destination to their clients.
“This type of showcase provides us with a really good opportunity to highlight what it is that sets Ireland apart - world-class venues and incentive experiences, ease of access, amazing landscapes, top hospitality and incredibly strong industries.
“Business tourism is one of the most lucrative tourism sectors, with visitors travelling to Ireland for business purposes spending almost three times more than the average leisure visitor. Already this year, Fáilte Ireland has secured €134m worth of meetings, conferences, incentives and corporate events for Ireland under their ‘Meet in Ireland’ and ‘Dublin Convention Bureau’ brands and supports the Regional Convention Bureaux in Cork and Kerry.”
Evelyn O’Sullivan, Cork Convention Bureau commented:
“We are so delighted to welcome our UK guests to Cork. Often referred to as Europe’s best-kept secret, Cork is a City and County that's rising at the moment with over 1,300 new hotel beds planned over the next 2 years. Cork is known as the food capital of Ireland and the English market that this group will be visiting is proof of this accolade. Cork - it really is fit for a queen!”
Becky Hargrove, Kerry Convention Bureau, also commented:
“We are delighted to be welcoming this group of influential UK event planners to Kerry and to having the opportunity to showcase our business tourism offering to them. Kerry is a spectacular place to inspire, engage and motivate business tourism delegates” said KCB Sales Manager Becky Hargrove. Whether it’s an association or corporate meeting or a high-end incentive, we offer unrivalled facilities in idyllic locations throughout our region”. She added “From a destination perspective, you won’t find another conference or incentive destination that marries professionalism and cutting-edge technology with such rich cultural history, spectacular natural scenery and abundance of activities.”
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