Brendan Canty from Lee Sessions; Ciara Gallagher (Meet in Ireland); Steve Cox (Cork Convention Bureau); Olivia McCabe (Carrigaline Court Hotel) and Liam Hallahan (Cork International Hotel) at the #KeepCorkMeeting Business Tourism Showcase in Cork County Hall. For more information visit www.corkconventionbureau.com. (Photo: Joleen Cronin)

Collectively, Cork hotels have invested heavily in the last 12 months and continue to invest in 2016 with up to €27m being spent on refurbishments, underlining their commitment to Cork’s conference and meetings industry.

This research was announced by Cork Convention Bureau following their hugely successful 4th annual Business Tourism Showcase, #KeepCorkMeeting, at Cork County Hall recently.

Commenting, Seamus Heaney, chairman of Cork Convention Bureau said this significant investment in the hotel industry will continue to strengthen Cork’s business tourism offering, and the entire region will benefit over the next couple of years.

“On average, business tourists stay for 4 days and each delegate spends approximately €1,500, so it is a huge revenue area for the city and county.”

Over 50 exhibitors showcased the very best of Cork’s Business Tourism offering to more than 150 conference and event organisers across all sectors in a bid to attract more conferences, meetings, incentives and events into the Cork region.

Attendees who came from all sectors including UCC, Apple, EMC, CIT, Eli Lilly, Pfizers, Boston Scientific, Flex and Musgrave got a taste of accommodation options, unique Cork venues, food and drink options, activities and interactive experiences, from spa treatments to historical venues, seaweed cooking and tours available in Cork.

Guests were also treated to a ‘TasteCork’ menu on the evening to highlight this exciting new initiative for Cork’s artisan producers.

Cork Convention Bureau (CCB) is responsible for promoting business tourism in the Cork region. They can help with practical supports and free of charge impartial advice to ensure the smooth running and success of your event.

More from info@corkconventionbureau.com.