ireland Special Section E

Amazing accolades Not only did Forbes name Ireland as the No. 1 place to do business in Europe, the World Bank named it one of the top 10 best countries in the world in which to do business. Lonely Planet even named it the “friendliest destination in the world.”

nchanting, engaging, exciting — Ireland is a perennial favorite of any well-seasoned traveler, but there are a number of compelling reasons why

meeting planners would do well to choose Ireland for their upcoming conferences, meetings, and events.

Inspiration Whether it’s splitting the atom or the development of fiber optics, for cen- turies Ireland has set the pace for a number of industries. The country is also a growing home base for more than 1,000 companies in the medical, science, technology, educational, and legal fields. Combine this natural ingenu- ity with a growing collection of world-class venues, and the result is a meeting destina- tion that not only inspires, it sets the stage for innovation.

Affordability and accessibility Times are changing, but some things always stay the same — meeting planners want a great des- tination for a great value. Ireland rises to the challenge with some of the most affordable accommodations found anywhere in Europe, not to mention readily available, free Wi-Fi. Ireland’s Value Added Tax (VAT) has recently been lowered — dropping from 13.5 percent to 9 percent. Getting to Ireland is easy too, with direct-flight access from cities in the United States, the U.K., and Europe.

Top-notch facilities With a highly devel- oped infrastructure, experienced regional convention bureaus, and professional con- ference organizers, Ireland ensures that even the highest expectations for meetings and conferences are exceeded. Out-of-the-

Out and about What’s even more crowd-pleasing than Ireland’s stunning scenery and immersive culture? Its warm, welcoming hospitality. Meetings and conferences are all about engagement with locals and interaction with fellow delegates, and so are many of Ireland’s most popular group activities. Cook up a storm with a team- building session at the Ballyknocken Cookery School in Wicklow, Belle Isle Castle Cookery School in Fermanagh, or at one of the many other cookery schools found throughout Ireland.

Be part of it Meeting planners are invited to host a conference or meeting in Ireland in 2013 and be part of something special — The Gathering Ireland 2013, a yearlong homage to the Irish culture, heritage, sports, and traditions, with a diverse range of events. This is the year to visit Ireland and experience firsthand the Céad Míle Fáilte – “100,000 welcomes.”

Room to breathe Ireland’s array of accommodation options varies from traditional to contemporary, including international luxury brands, small boutique hotels, and country estates. And from campuses to castles, there are a number of categories to suit every price range.

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