Incentive - August 2008 - (Page 56) TRAVEL In every Irish pub, you’ll meet old-timers with the gift of blarney and local musicians playing magic fiddles Christchurch Cathedral is just one of the many fascinating sites in Dublin Everything By Jacquelin Carnegie Even if you’ve done programs in Ireland in the past, it’s time to revisit this country Old Is New Again Americans have a natural affinity for Ireland. It’s a place they’re eager to visit. And, from a business point of view, the Irish are very experienced with tourism in general and with the incentive market in particular, which makes for an excellent program.” Maritz Inc.’s clients from the financial services, automotive, technology, health care and hospitality/retail industries all enjoy incentive travel programs in Ireland. Group sizes range from small and intimate to around 300 people, according to Judy Jackson, director of industry relations for Maritz in St. Louis, Mo. In 2009, USMotivation has programs scheduled for groups of 125 to 150. They are from the telecommunications, pharmaceutical, insurance and financial services industries. In Ireland, most planners like to offer a program with a city component and a country experience, such as a few nights in T easy to get around, yet there’s he hills are as green, amazing diversity within the the Guinness is still destination. Plus, there are flowing and the some 400 superlative golf wind is ever at your back. courses. But there’s a lovely new According to Caren breeze blowing in this ancient Bigelow, Atlanta, Ga.–based land. The pubs are still filled USMotivation’s director of with old-timers, colorful characplanning & vendor relations, ters and traditional music, but several decades of strong economic The Old Head Golf Links in “The DMCs here truly understand County Cork is one of the the U.S. market as well as the value growth has added a contemporary, cosmopolitan air to the olden charm. many spectacular courses and rationale of an incentive. That’s your group can play Corporate clients love Ireland for why Ireland continues to grow as a destination of choice.” its natural beauty, castle hotels, fabuAmy Reeber, senior program manager, lous golf and friendly people. Incentive planBCD Meetings & Incentives in Minneapolis, ners love Ireland for its practicality: There’s adds, “So many Americans have Irish hereasy access from the United States. The lanitage or an Irish neighbor or have celebrated guage is English. Customs pre-clearance is St. Patrick’s Day that an incentive to Ireland done in Ireland. The DMCs are excellent. is a good motivator.” There’s a wide variety of world-class incenTour guide Conor Ellard concurs, “Most tive properties. The country is small, so it’s 56 | Incentive | August 2008 | incentivemag.com http://incentivemag.com
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