The Meet In Galway marketing group is calling for support from local tourism stakeholders to form a much-needed Convention Bureau that will match the professional standing of Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Kerry and the Shannon region.
Invited by Failte Ireland to speak at the “Co-Opetition for Success Conference” in Sligo, Meet in Galway secretary Evanna Ryan presented the organisation’s journey so far and spoke on the critical need for a dedicated Convention Bureau for Galway .
“Meet in Galway develops, implements and facilitates a sustainable tourism model on behalf of the industry. This enhances the image of Galway as a destination to visit, thus promoting economic development across the county” said Evanna Ryan. As part of Evanna’s presentation, details of the extraordinary results of the hard-working voluntary professionals impressed the capacity audience.
International conference business handled by Meet In Galway have doubled to €3m since 2015 and it is predicted that this will rise to €4.5 million in 2017. Chairman of Meet in Galway, hotelier Darragh O’Connor, believes that now is the right time to have a dedicated Convention Bureau to support and work alongside Failte Ireland and the National University of Ireland Galway Conference and Event Centre in bringing international conferences to Galway.
Last year Galway was ranked in the top 20 European destinations for conferences and conventions by the International Congresses and Conventions Association (ICCA ) and the Meet in Galway group actively sells Galway on sales missions across the UK, Europe and America.
Commenting on the Meet in Galway presentation, Finbarr Filan, Chairperson of Sligo Business Improvement District and member of Sligo Purple Flag, said “Galway have shown what a business-led group with industry expertise can do with a relatively modest budget. Collaborative working is the key alongside a good working relationship with the local authority and their support.”
Meet in Galway finds itself at a turning point, producing significant business wins that show the potential for Galway to excel in the lucrative business tourism market. Meet in Galway is now seeking investment and assistance from Galway City and County Council and other stakeholders to ensure that Galway will have its own competitive Convention Bureau.
Contact Meet in Galway on 091 577 109, [email protected] or visit www.meetingalway.ie
