Tourism Ireland has welcomed the news that Ireland will introduce a five-year multi-entry visa option for Chinese visitors on July 1. The announcement was made by justice and equality minister Charlie Flanagan at an event to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland.
"Really Good News"
Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons stated, "The introduction of a five-year multi-entry visit for Chinese visitors is really good news, making it easier than ever before for Chinese holiday-makers to visit Ireland. It's another important step in helping us to grow visitor numbers from this market, whether those visitors wish to travel here for sightseeing, golf or as business tourists.
"Our recent review of emerging tourism markets confirmed China as a market of considerable opportunity for us. China is the largest outbound travel market in the world and one that Tourism Ireland is committed to growing over the coming years. Last year, we welcomed an estimated 100,000 Chinese visitors to the island of Ireland. The introduction of direct flights to Dublin has been a major game-changer and offers a real opportunity for us. Our aim now is to capitalise on the changing travel patterns in China to grow Chinese visitor numbers to 200,000 by 2025 and, in particular, to grow the number of high end individual Chinese travellers to the island of Ireland."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
