Four Chinese journalists have been visiting Ireland recently, as guests of Tourism Ireland. The group includes a blogger, a travel photographer whose work has appeared in National Geographic and Lonely Planet, as well as two magazine journalists who have a combined readership of more than 730,000 people in China. They are here to experience at first-hand some of the many things to see and do in Ireland for features stories they will write when they return home. The journalists’ itinerary, designed by Fáilte Ireland, included visits to Dublin Castle and the ID2015 Design Hub, Trinity College and the Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse. Then it was on to Donegal, where the group took on a guided walk of the Slieve League cliffs and visits to Donegal Castle and Glenveagh Castle and Gardens. Amanda Burns, Tourism Ireland’s manager for Asia, said: “China is an important emerging travel market and one that Tourism Ireland is committed to growing over the coming years. The aim of this fact-finding visit is to increase awareness of the island of Ireland.”
Tourism Ireland continues its focus on bringing in more Chinese tourists to the country, with an invitation to Chinese travel journalists to experience at first-hand what Ireland has to offer. "China is an important emerging travel market and one that Tourism Ireland is committed to growing over the coming years. We are looking forward to working closely with our partners from China as we continue to promote Irish tourism abroad," said Mr O'Dowd.