During the past week, nine leading business tourism companies from Russia have been visiting Ireland. 
 
This group includes senior representatives of companies based in Moscow who are involved in the MICE (meetings, incentive, conferences and events) sector, responsible for organising international conferences, meetings and large-scale incentive events around the world.

They were here to check out some of our meeting facilities and accommodation, as well as the great experiences business delegates can enjoy in Ireland on the sidelines of their conference or meeting. 
 
Tourism Ireland's David Boyce said, "We are pleased that so many of these leading Russian business tourism companies have taken the time to visit Ireland, to experience our superb facilities at first-hand. Business tourism is an important, high-yield sector and Tourism Ireland is working hard to spread the word about the world-class meetings, conference and incentive facilities on offer right around the island of Ireland. 

And, while the majority of our overseas visitors come from the core tourism markets of Great Britain, North America and Mainland Europe, it is important that we expand our focus beyond these markets and look to the longer-term opportunities presented by Russia and the other BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries."
 
Highlights of the group's trip has included a panoramic tour of Dublin and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse; a guided walk in Galway city; as well as Connemara – and visits to Dan O’Hara’s Homestead in Lettershea, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, Delphi Lodge and Maam Valley. The group also visited Sean’s Bar in Athlone and Kilbeggan Distillery and undertook site inspections of the conference facilities at various hotels. 
 
Source: www.businessworld.ie