Top tourist group visit North West

The group included executives from the US, the Netherlands and Israel. Carefully selected and invited here by Tourism Ireland, their fact-finding itinerary was designed in conjunction with NITB.

The influential group was in Northern Ireland to attend the recent Business Tourism Expo, which took place in Belfast. They took some time out, to sample what the North West has to offer for conference and business delegates. Business Tourism is one of the most lucrative form of tourisms, offering significant economic benefits.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Business Tourism, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to bring these key Business Tourism buyers to Northern Ireland, to see what we have to offer at first-hand.

“Business Tourism is an extremely important, high yield sector and Tourism Ireland is stepping up its efforts to grow this type of tourism business to Northern Ireland in 2010, with particular focus on the Association Conference sector.

“We will launch a targeted Business Tourism campaign in GB this year, promoting ease of access to Northern Ireland and professionalism on the ground.

“We will highlight the good value rates available for meetings and conferences from hotels and other suppliers and emphasise the world-class conference and meetings facilities available here.

“Tourism Ireland will also showcase the great experiences Business Tourism delegates can enjoy here on the sidelines of their conference or meeting, interacting with locals and savouring aspects of our unique culture and heritage - like Londonderry’s famous city walls.”