New Initiative to Promote Galway
The Galway Convention Bureau is calling for ambassadors to drive business visitors to the city. In essence, business tourism is a thriving sector. According to the Galway Convention Bureau, one business visitor boosts the local economy by up to three times more than that of a leisure tourist. In fact, figures from Failte Ireland demonstrate that one conference delegate is worth €1,600 to the economy.
With this in mind, this new initiative to find ambassadors is designed to bring international conferences to the city. Firstly, ambassadors will already be members of a professional, corporate or industry association. Secondly, they will have a love for Galway and a desire to promote the area as a desirable location for conferences and business meetings.
Multi Million Euro Boost
Not only does business tourism provide financial benefits, but it also extends the tourism season. For example, business visitors tend to hold meetings outside of the main summer months. In turn, this leads to continuing demand for jobs in the hospitality sector.
As a member-led non-profit organisation, the Galway Convention Bureau’s aim is to promote Galway as a prime destination for international conferences and events. Moreover, business tourism in Galway yielded €7.6 million for the sector in 2022. This includes meetings, incentive, conference, and events led revenue.
“Galway is a vibrant, thriving city with lots of different options to offer our meetings and events visitors,” says Niamh Stack of the Galway Convention Bureau. “Galway is a compact and walkable city. In addition, 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.”
Economic Windfall
One of the largest international conferences ever to take place at the University of Galway yielded almost €2 million for the local area. Here, the 11th European Solid Mechanics Conference brought 1,200 delegates to the campus in July.
“This conference is a fantastic win for Galway and a massive boost for the economy in the city and across the county,” explains Niamh. “We know we have world-class conference facilities in University of Galway. As a result, we will continue to collaborate with Fáilte Ireland to build on the success of this event.”
The convention bureau is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Galway City and Galway County Council and trade memberships. The convention bureau’s strategic partners include University of Galway, ATU, the Galway Chamber of Commerce and the Galway branch of the Irish Hotel Federation. To become an ambassador, contact the Galway Convention Bureau on 091 339920 or email info@galwayconventionbureau.com.
