Birr is ‘Write On’ for Chinese Journalists

A group of influential journalists from China – including representatives of the Beijing Times, Radio Beijing and the Shanghai Morning Post – visited Birr Castle and enjoyed a tour of the Science Centre last week, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Emirates.

The journalists were here to experience at first-hand some of the many things to see and do in this part of Ireland for travel programmes and feature stories they are researching about holidays here. It was also an excellent opportunity to highlight the ease of access and connectivity between China and Ireland, with Emirates via Dubai to Dublin.

Chinese journalists with Kathy Chen, Tourism Ireland China (back, left) and driver Donal Scannell (front, centre).

Susan Li, Tourism Ireland China, said: “Visits such as this are extremely important, helping to deliver extensive coverage for Birr and Ireland through the media in China. They are a fantastic way of highlighting Ireland, bringing the destination to the attention of millions of potential Chinese holidaymakers.

“With 2 million Chinese people visiting Europe each year, this is a significant emerging tourism market and an important one for the island of Ireland to tap into. Tourism Ireland is very active right now in markets like China, working to raise the profile of Ireland as a premier holiday and business tourism destination. Press visits like this are an invaluable part of that promotional effort. We are working closely with partners like Emirates to highlight ease of access to Ireland and the great value fares now available.”

Tourism Ireland’s busy programme of activity to grow tourism from China involves co-operative campaigns with airlines and influential tour operators to ensure Ireland features prominently in itineraries and travel brochures; hosting familiarisation visits for Chinese travel agents and tour operators around the island of Ireland; as well as working closely with travel and lifestyle journalists, to ensure the island of Ireland features extensively in the media in China.