Vision 2030 Jan. 2012 | Page 111

interaction helps them achieve their goals. The real benefit of choosing Ireland is that we create the conditions that stimulate people to new levels of achievement. All business events are about achieving change through people. Interaction is how change happens - with people primarily, but also through new content ideas, debates and a unique destination. Interaction is especially relevant to conferences and meetings and Ireland excels as an environment to enable these events to move from simple information dissemination to the creative discussion and debate which leads to new results. Ireland also has stunning locations in abundance. Our landscape varies dramatically from rich agricultural land of the east to the impressive landscape of the Burren in the west. As well as scenic rivers, lakes and mountain ranges in between, Ireland is also home to a number of Unesco World Heritage sites. So whether the decision maker wants to host the event in a high tech conference facility, in a venue overlooking Ireland’s breath-taking coastline or in a castle dating back hundreds of years, Ireland has a wealth of stunning locations to choose from. welcome, even in the largest of venues. There are plenty of sights and activities to encourage business visitors to extend their stay in Ireland once business is done. We work hard to get delegates coming to Ireland on business to avail of the opportunity to take in a whole range of cultural and leisure experiences before they return home. Tourism is one of our largest indigenous industries. It is very important to us that we fully understand our visitor needs – whether they are here just for business or staying on for leisure. We are working hard to build a destination which can deliver on the Business Tourism Decision Maker’s requirements and those of the visiting delegate. To that end, Ireland is developing as a business tourism destination that is fast becoming synonymous with high tech professional facilities, unique venues within scenic settings, impeccable service delivered with professionalism and distinctive ‘Irish’ charm. However, it is not just the high tech venues, stunning locations and high quality accommodation that is encouraging Business Tourism Decision Makers to choose Ireland for international conferences and meetings. Our research indicates that nine out of ten visitors choose Ireland because of the famous friendliness of the Irish people. In Ireland it is the unique combination of modern professionalism alongside the informed friendliness of the locals that makes business visitors feel truly 109