According to the latest news from The Irish Times, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Ireland reached 50,000 in 2016. This is earlier than Tourism Ireland had anticipated. With the continuous increase in Chinese tourists visiting Ireland, the long-awaited direct flights between China and Ireland may soon be launched.
The CEO of Tourism Ireland stated at an event at the Irish Embassy in Beijing, "Although we do not have the exact figures yet, we can confirm that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Ireland last year exceeded 50,000, which was actually our target for 2017. We have now completed our research on the development of emerging markets up to 2025, and we believe that the Irish tourism market holds tremendous appeal for Chinese tourists. The Chinese source market has huge potential, which is why I have come to China for the 7th time."
Many professionals in the tourism industry related to China and Ireland have been calling for the launch of direct flights from Dublin to Beijing or Shanghai for years. This issue has become one of the keys to Ireland's tourism expansion plan. Relevant sources have even indicated that direct flights between China and Ireland might be proposed within a few months, most likely by a Chinese airline.
Currently, most Chinese tourists coming to Ireland need to transit through the United Arab Emirates or certain European countries. Once direct flights between China and Ireland are launched, they will become one of the important pillars for the development of Ireland's tourism industry. According to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Chinese tourists spent approximately 240 billion euros last year, an increase of 12% over 2015, with the number of trips increasing by 6% to 160 million.
As a 'springboard' for overseas investors to enter the European market, Ireland's investment immigration program has rapidly become a shining star in European immigration, thanks to its advantages such as being a 'tax haven,' a highly qualified talent pool, and government support for research and development. With the prospect of direct flights between China and Ireland, it is believed that this will create more connections and investment opportunities between the two countries, provide more convenience for Chinese people in both regions, and save time for travelers—a move that benefits everyone! Currently, there are various options for Irish investment immigration. For more details, please call the Worldway Group hotline: 400-138-2929.
