Tourism Ireland launches 720 commercial appointments to boost 2027 business tourism
Tourism Ireland has launched a programme of approximately 720 commercial appointments to attract international conferences, corporate meetings and incentive travel in 2027 and beyond. The initiative was announced on 9 November 2026 and targets Irish tourism businesses and British travel buyers.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Launch of 720 commercial appointments to boost business tourism
- Timing
- Announced 9 November 2026, targeting 2027 and beyond
- Who is affected
- Irish tourism businesses and British travel buyers
The details
- Announced by
- Tourism Ireland
- Takes effect
- 9 November 2026
Programme launch and objectives
Tourism Ireland announced a new commercial‑meeting programme that generated roughly 720 appointments between British travel buyers and tourism businesses across the island. The effort is part of a broader strategy to increase international business events in 2027 and beyond.
- Target sectors include meetings, incentive travel and business events
- Goal is to drive visitor arrivals outside the traditional summer season
Participants and partners
The London workshop brought together 36 British meetings and incentive travel professionals and an equal number of Irish tourism businesses, representing hotels, conference venues, destination management companies and regional organisations from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The event was organised in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland under the Meet in Ireland brand.
- Participants included Dublin Convention Bureau, ICC Belfast, Galway Convention Bureau and regional venues
- Collaboration spans Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland
Expected outcomes and timeline
While the 720 appointments represent about 9.6% of the organisation’s annual target of 7,500 commercial meetings for 2026, they are intended to create sales opportunities for 2027 and subsequent years. The programme does not disclose confirmed bookings or contract values.
The initiative aims to support tourism revenue throughout the year by encouraging mid‑week and off‑season business travel.
- Focus on developing commercial relationships rather than general promotion
- No guaranteed bookings; appointments serve as a platform for future contracts
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing conference plans should monitor Irish venue availability for 2027 as new commercial links develop
- Businesses interested in hosting events can expect increased outreach from British buyers after the appointments
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements were announced for participants
- Existing visa and travel documentation rules remain unchanged for business visitors
What you need to do
- Irish tourism providers should engage with the Meet in Ireland network to benefit from the new commercial contacts
- British travel buyers may follow up with Irish contacts established during the 720 appointments
Who this affects
-
Irish tourism businesses
They are the suppliers presenting services to British travel buyers in the new appointment programme
What to do Engage with the Meet in Ireland partnership to maximise commercial opportunities
-
British meetings and incentive travel professionals
They are the buyers participating in the 720 commercial appointments
What to do Follow up with Irish contacts to explore conference and incentive travel options
-
Potential business event attendees
The programme aims to increase international conferences and meetings in Ireland in 2027
What to do Watch for new event offerings and venue options emerging from the initiative
Frequently asked questions
What is the 720 commercial appointments programme?
The programme is a series of roughly 720 meetings arranged by Tourism Ireland between British travel buyers and Irish tourism businesses to generate business‑event opportunities for 2027 and beyond.
When does the programme start?
The initiative was announced on 9 November 2026 and is aimed at creating opportunities for the 2027 booking period and later.
Which organisations are involved in the programme?
Tourism Ireland leads the effort, partnered with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and the Meet in Ireland brand, involving 36 British buyers and 36 Irish tourism businesses.
Will there be new visa requirements for business visitors?
No new visa or documentation requirements were mentioned; existing immigration rules for business visitors remain in force.
How can Irish venues benefit from the appointments?
Venues can use the contacts made during the appointments to pitch their facilities, negotiate contracts and attract British corporate groups for future events.
