Ireland a serious contender for International Conferences with validation of our world class conference facilities…
The world leaders have been welcomed to The Lough Erne Resort for the G8 Summit 2013. The Northern Ireland Conference Hotel was chosen to host this prestigious conference that will result in long lasting benefits to the hotel. Speaking to the Director of Sales – John O Neill, the sales department has experienced an influx of enquiries in the last year from the corporate and conference market of Ireland and indeed internationally. Being able to say they are the chosen venue of the G8 Summit, speaks mountains about its credibility as a venue capable of handling the highest calibre of conference delegates and logistics.
It is estimated the G8 Summit is worth £40 million to the local economy, resulting in 45,000 room nights being booked. The counties of Sligo, Donegal, Cavan. Fermanagh and Monaghan have all enjoyed the conference sales benefits. The Radisson in Sligo are hosting the 2500 delegates coming from America for the Summit. The delegates, media, security and administration staff and picketers all make up the 45,000 room nights. The £40 million in spend is being generated by G8 contracts given to Northern Ireland businesses, over-time payments for security and other staff plus the spend on preparation and practicalities such as training exercises, accommodation, catering and logistics. Homeowners in the area are also benefiting – renting out their houses for up to £1300 for the few days – it sounds familiar to the Ryder Cup event held at The K Club, Kildare 2006!
Ireland being the venue for the G8 Summit has long reaching benefits for Ireland being considered as a conference venue for International Associations and corporate conferences and will all help to platform us as the fantastic country it is for conferences.
“Ireland has the perfect mix of facilities, accommodation and professionalism to host any major meeting. Drawing on the visit of the G8 to the island of Ireland, we are reminding potential ambassadors that they too can bring their global gathering to the ‘island boardroom’ according to John Concannon, Director of Marketing with Fáilte Ireland. Click here for details of the Irish Ambassador Programme.
The first six months of 2013 will see 114 international conferences and business events take place in Ireland bringing a total of approximately 31,000 delegates with an overall estimated economic impact of €37 million, that is not including the G8 Summit Conference.
Check out this review of the resort for the leisure traveller as experienced by Pol O’ Conghaile who writes for the National Geographic Traveller.
