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Business tourism is a highly lucrative , fast-growing segment of our tourism industry in Northern Ireland .
The future of
BUSINESS TOURISM by Dr Peter Bolan , Ulster University
Business tourism is a highly lucrative , fast-growing segment of our tourism industry in Northern Ireland .
It is important to understand however that the needs of today ’ s business tourists are changing . From on-demand WiFi and keyless check-in to healthy meals and 24 / 7 gyms , today ’ s busy executive is focused on hotels that allow them to work more efficiently , provide amenities tailored to helping them stay healthy whilst on the road , and allow for perks that make them feel special and take away from any of the negatives that can come with frequent corporate travel .
Northern Ireland has been growing and developing its business tourism product and we have shown in recent years that we can host important international conferences and exhibitions at the higher end , and do so very successfully .
Notable examples include the G8 Summit at the Lough Erne Resort which helped place that particular venue on the global stage .
Another of our most notable venues going forward will be the Waterfront Hall which has undergone a sizeable enhancement .
Doubling the existing convention and exhibition space at the Waterfront in particular , will greatly add to what is already a huge growth area for our economy and showcase Belfast and Northern Ireland as a highly viable and desirable venue for conference organisers and delegates .
The business traveller has been changing though , in terms of mindset , in terms of needs and wants , in terms of what they seek , how they spend their precious time and the experience they want .
So how exactly have they changed ? and what lessons can we learn from what has already been happening around the world ?
Well , many hotels and venues are beginning to adapt their services to meet the needs of the business traveller to whom time is precious and to meet an increasing desire for autonomy and personalized services .
Embracing and harnessing digital technology is a hugely important part of this , such as encompassing mobile and inroom technologies like remote check-in and temperature controls so they don ’ t have to spend time waiting in line at the front desk or arriving to a room where the temperature doesn ’ t suit conditions for how they like to work .
Some hotels are even re-designing the interior of rooms specifically around the needs of the business traveller , with ergonomic desks and chairs , office supplies and proper focused lighting . Added to that is the drive for health and fitness , often prevalent amongst many corporate travellers .
The dilemma with this is that such visitors have limited time to engage in such pursuits . So we have seen hotels begin to recognise this by extending access hours and even keeping such
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