The Tourism Expo, which runs from 2 to 5 October, is organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), in association with Tourism Ireland.
Local tourism organisations will have the opportunity to showcase their venues for international conferences, exhibitions, corporate events and meetings to buyers from the USA, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and for the first time, France and Germany.
This year’s event has witnessed a 30% increase in the number of buyers attending since the first Expo event was held two years ago.
The Minister said: “The 2008 Business Tourism Expo places Northern Ireland on an international stage and allows the visiting buyers to see at first hand, the quality facilities that we have on offer for conferences, exhibitions and meetings.
“Business tourism is a very lucrative form of tourism, which is estimated to provide the UK’s tourism economy with 38% of its revenue. It is therefore vital that our local business tourism providers take full advantage of this excellent opportunity to meet with influential national and international buyers.
“It’s easier and more affordable than ever to travel to Northern Ireland. We have so much to offer business travellers with vibrant cities, first class hotels and superb leisure facilities, set in stunning scenery."
Arlene Foster concluded: “The Executive’s Programme for Government has set Northern Ireland tourism challenging targets over the next three years. These include increasing visitor numbers from 1.98million to 2.5million by 2011, and growing tourism revenue from £370million to £520million.
“We must therefore exploit such opportunities as this Business Expo and build on our record visitor numbers of 2007. We must encourage potential business tourists to come to Northern Ireland and give them a reason to return in the future.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Interview opportunities with key delegates and international buyers are available on Thursday 2 October 2008 from 19.00 to 20.00 in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra.
Interview opportunities with key delegates and international buyers are also available in the Hilton Hotel on Friday 3 October 2008 from 10.30 to 10.45, 12.30 to 13.30 and 16.30 to 17.00.
Please contact Sinead Maguire, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, tel: 02890 441652, mob: 07717731894 or by email: s.maguire@nitb.com
2. A programme of familiarisation visits for buyers will take place on 4 and 5 October. These will cover Belfast and the North West as well as County Down, Fermanagh Lakelands and Lough Erne Golf Resort, and the Causeway Coastal Route.
3. For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 90529297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager Number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
