Vision 2030 Jan. 2012 | Page 110

Ireland – We’re Open for Business By Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive, Fáilte Ireland Business Tourism There is enormous potential for growth in business tourism and Ireland works hard as a destination to compete in the international arena to gain its share of this market. While acknowledging that the tourism industry is experiencing a difficult period worldwide, business tourism offers a significant opportunity for Ireland. It is a dynamic and resilient sector with many economic forecasters predicting growth for this sector in 2011. Already, Ireland is delivering as a business destination. The fact that we have attracted more than one thousand companies, including Google and Microsoft, who are now using Ireland as their European HQ, helps to put us in a good position to take advantage of this opportunity. Ireland has invested significantly to deliver the infrastructure which meets the needs of the international Business Tourism Decision Maker. Much has been added to our already rich business infrastructure in the last few years and we now have a state-of-the-art Convention Centre located in the heart of Dublin city, as well as a myriad of other conference venues throughout the country, delivering a unique business experience. International Business Tourism Decision Makers are not only looking for world class infastructure, but are also looking for destinations with people who can offer dynamic event opportunities. We believe that Ireland can deliver this by providing a highly stimulating meeting environment which will act as a catalyst for new business results. This business is centred around people, so enabling better