Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2019
228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which Ireland can be further developed as an attractive international conference location; if particular deficiencies in respect of required facilities in this regard have been identified and will be remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48512/19]
View answerBusiness tourism overall, including conference tourism, has been an area of growth in recent years and one where Ireland continues to compete very successfully internationally. The tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, have operational responsibility for the development and promotion of this sector. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for developing business tourism strategy and, internationally, it works with Tourism Ireland under the Meet in Ireland brand to support the positioning of Ireland as a world-class conference destination.
The Meet in Ireland team works collaboratively with key stakeholders and, through its Conference Ambassador Programme, aims to secure high profile conferences for Ireland. It also offers training and trade supports for Irish and international businesses planning to host their conferences here.
In terms of facilities, a good stock of attractive high-quality hotels, operating to best international standards, is essential for the effective performance of the industry. In this regard, the quality of Ireland's hotels and other conference facilities is a key part of our business tourism offering and is instrumental in attracting international conferences to Ireland. We also have an excellent dedicated national conference centre - the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) - which was developed to increase Ireland's share of the international conference market, thereby increasing tourism revenues.
I am satisfied with both the quality of our conference facilities and with the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies, who continue to be very active in competing for and securing the hosting of international conferences in Ireland.
