Key figures in Shannon region companies have pledged to become conference and sports events ambassadors.
An event in Dromoland Castle Hotel, hosted by Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau, in association with Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Chamber, sought to encourage a greater cohort of companies in the region to assess how they could bring a national or international conference, meeting, incentive group or a sporting event to the area.
Karen Brosnahan, business manager for Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau said, “The bureau ambassador programme is running for over 10 years and has over 500 members. A local ambassador is anyone who can influence a meeting, conference or event. The bureau, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, offers a wide range of practical and financial supports to help ambassadors win business for their region. In 2015, the bureau secured €7million in economic impact between business and sports tourism with over 50% of events secured as a result of local ambassadors.”
Mary Collins, Meet in Ireland team, Fáilte Ireland said that business tourism is big business for Ireland.
”It generates €581 million in revenue, with each visitor contributing in the region of €1,400 per visit, and supports 20,000 jobs. Ireland is a highly regarded conference and events destination. It has breath-taking backdrops and world-class venues. It is value for money, has a fascinating culture and most importantly, getting here is easy.”
Shannon Chamber’s chief executive, Helen Downes encouraged their members to get involved.
“Bringing an event to the region can increase a company’s profile within their organisation. It might also help companies to secure future funding and establish worldwide linkages. They will be making a very valuable contribution to the economy as well as increasing exposure to Ireland as a leisure and business destination,” she said.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.