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Business driven tourism will contribute at least €7.6 million to the economy in Galway this year, extending the tourist season outside of the summer.
The Galway Convention Bureau, a non-profit that aims to sell Galway as a destination for international conferences and events, is looking for people throughout Galway to become its ambassadors.
An ambassador for Galway is a person who loves Galway and has membership of international professional, corporate and industry associations and also has the influence to bring an international conference home.
So far for 2022, there is a confirmed €7.6 million business for Galway in MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Events) led revenue.
“There are so many things that make Galway a unique and special MICE destination,” said Niamh Stack of Galway Convention Bureau. “Galway is a vibrant, thriving city with lots of different options to offer our Meetings and Events visitors.”
“Galway is a compact and walkable city, we have world class conference facilities along with a host of stunning venues to choose from.”
“We are a city of festivals, culture and arts and we are home to some of the World’s top Medical Device and ICT Companies. Our stunning scenery is the perfect backdrop for any conference or event.”
Fáilte Ireland says that business visitors can be worth up to three times as much as leisure tourist to the economy.
One big coup over the summer for such business tourism was the 11th European Solid Mechanics Conference, which took place over 5 days in July.
This conference at University of Galway was attended by over 1,200 delegates, making it the largest international conference ever to take place on the campus.
Better for Galway, it’s estimated that the impact of that conference to the local area came to almost €2 million.
“This conference is a fantastic win for Galway and a massive boost for the economy in the city and across the county,” Niamh said
She added that Galway Convention Bureau will continue to work with Fáilte Ireland to attract more conferences and business events to Galway.
Paul Mockler, head of Commercial Development, Fáilte Ireland said “Each conference delegate is worth €1600 to the Irish economy, up to three times the value of a leisure visitor.”
He added, “By bringing international thought leaders to Ireland for their events, we demonstrate Ireland’s prowess in many fields while at the same time learning from global leaders.”
Many events and conferences also take place outside of the summer months, extending the tourist season in Galway.
Darragh O’Connor, Chairperson of Galway Convention Bureau said “Galway is not just a City on the Edge of the Atlantic but it is on the Cutting Edge of so much more.”
“High quality accommodation, event centres that can cater for up to 1000 delegates and hospitality like no other, Galway is at the forefront for Academic, Med tech and International Association based conferences.
