A group of influential Chinese travel agents and tour operators are exploring Donegal highlights as part of an Irish tour this week.
The visitors are here from Beijing, Shanghai and Wuxi as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and Hainan Airlines.
They flew to Dublin on the new Hainan Airlines flight from Beijing, which was launched in June.
The group’s itinerary included Donegal Craft Village and Slieve League and an overnight stay in Solis Lough Eske.
Chinese travel agents and tour operators with Nuoyi Li, Tourism Ireland (back, right), at Slieve League.
Pic – John McConnell
The objective of this trip to Ireland was to highlight the new ease of access between Beijing and Ireland to the travel agents, as well as the many things to see and do here for Chinese holidaymakers.
Travel agents continue to play an important role in China, with Chinese travellers preferring to use a travel agent for a number of reasons, including convenience, language barriers, visa preparation and knowledge gaps.
James Kenny, Tourism Ireland’s Manager China, said: “We were delighted to invite these influential tour operators and travel agents to visit – to enthuse them about the direct flight and ease of access for their clients from Beijing and to experience Donegal’s spectacular scenery and great attractions.
“In 2017, we welcomed an estimated 90,000 Chinese visitors to the island of Ireland; the introduction of the Hainan Airlines service from Beijing is a major game-changer and offers a real opportunity for us to build on this number.”
Tourism Ireland has a strong network in China, with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu.
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