BUSINESS tourism inquiries for Dublin are up 20 per cent this year mostly as a result of the opening of the new convention centre, according to new figures.
The business tourism unit of Dublin Tourism, says the Dublin Convention Bureau is on course to generate €50 million worth of bookings this year and meet its targets. The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) has had a "massive effect" on the perception of Dublin as a business tourism destination, according to spokeswoman Aine Kavanagh.
The CCD generates its own business along with working through the bureau to bring conference business into Dublin.
Ms Kavanagh said Dublin had "punched above its weight" as a conference destination before the CCD had even opened but its success had raised the profile of the whole city.
The bureau held an event in London on Thursday night attended by 90 London-based meetings and events buyers.
Dublin Tourism CEO Paul Hayden said the purpose of the event was to give interested parties a chance to pitch Dublin as a business tourism destination.
Buyers were invited to network with Dublin's tourism trade at a workshop followed by an evening of Irish food and entertainment.
The Government has set an ambitious target to generate €1 billion worth of business tourism by 2013. It has pinned its hopes on the success of the CCD which was opened last year and has attracted dozens of major international conferences to date.
The concert for the Queen also helped to boost its profile particularly in the UK.
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