Catherine Bertin, Head of Business Tourism at the Irish Tourist Board in Paris

How many incentive groups does Ireland receive each year?

Catherine Bertin: We don't have precise figures for the incentive segment. However, in 2006, the global external business tourism market represented 295,000 visitors.

What is the share of the French market?

C. B. : In 2006, the French market represented 14 %, or 51800 people out of a total market of 370,000 French visitors. This share is constantly growing, thanks to the increase in air services. In 2008, 18 French cities had direct flights to Ireland. At the same time, the hotel offer is expanding and event capacities are increasing.

What is the average length of stay?

C. B. : As Ireland is just an hour and a half from Paris, the majority of our requests are for three or four-day operations. Companies also sometimes move their teams for 48 hours.

Which regions are most in demand?

C. B. : With up to twelve daily flights from Paris-CDG and Beauvais, and direct connections from Lyon, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux, Dublin takes the lion's share! But Belfast is the rising star, with growing interest in this city in the midst of a renaissance. And thanks to an entrance via Cork, the South-West region is always a must for lovers of nature and the great outdoors.