Google believes it can bring 15,000 new tourists to Ireland every year. The internet giant has officially opened a new facility in Dublin which it says will become a magnet for business tourism.
'The Foundry' will be used to educate Google corporate customers about how they can use the online services of the company.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny was joined by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton at the event. Google, which is celebrating ten years in Ireland this year, has invested €5.5 million in the facility which is its first Digital Innovation Centre in Europe.
Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said "The rise of Ireland's digital sector has transformed an industry which now supports almost 95,000 jobs in the Irish economy".
"The Government is determined to ensure Ireland remains at the forefront of digital innovation, which will support new jobs and economic growth" he added.
Minister Richard Bruton added "The establishment of The Foundry within Google’s EMEA campus is a fantastic addition to Ireland’s supports to companies seeking to take advantage of the massive opportunities offered by online trading".
Google say Ireland was the first country where its browser reached number 1
Between now and the end of the year, 80 events are planned for The Foundry which will be attended by about 5,000 business people from across Europe.
The first, which will take place tomorrow, will be attended by representatives from Ikea in Sweden, Swatch in Switzerland and Boots in the UK as well as Irish companies including Aer Lingus and Paddy Power.
According to figures published by Fáilte Ireland, there were 154 international conferences in Dublin last year bringing 85,000 delegates and €106 million to the city.
Google says business tourists, on average spend about triple that of a regular tourist, bringing valuable revenue to the city and also contributing to an image of Dublin as a great place to do business.
VP and head of Google in Ireland John Herlihy says the facility will add to the flourishing Irish tech sector.
