Giant Promotion
New promotional blitz targets travellers in GB for short breaks and holidays in Northern Ireland
Campaign will be seen by millions and reach 80% of all adults in GB
Tourism Ireland has launched a £5 million, multi-media promotional campaign, to boost travel to Northern Ireland from GB over the coming months. The campaign, which is running under the banner ‘Northern Ireland – Embrace a Giant Spirit’, will be seen by millions and will reach at least 80% of all adults in GB. It will generate demand now and drive bookings for short breaks and holidays in Northern Ireland.
The extensive campaign will include advertising on major TV channels and on catch-up TV sites; digital outdoor advertising at more than 500 locations across GB; ads on popular digital and social channels; a partnership with The Guardian; as well as a busy programme of publicity. Co-operative promotions with air and sea carriers, as well as online travel agents, are also under way.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, said:
“Tourism is an enormously important industry for Northern Ireland and a key driver of our economy. In fact, before the pandemic hit us all, 2019 was the best year ever for overseas tourism to Northern Ireland, when we welcomed over 2.2 million overseas visitors, a significant number of which came from the GB market.
“We have a terrific product for visitors on offer across Northern Ireland, including the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, the historic city of Londonderry, the fantastic lakelands of Fermanagh, and, of course, our capital city, Belfast, with our maritime history highlighted at Titanic Belfast, a truly world-class visitor attraction.
“The GB market is a vitally important one for our tourism industry and I am confident that this campaign will show the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. With the TV ads alone set to be viewed by almost 13 million people across GB, I believe this campaign will help convince tourists to visit Northern Ireland. Our tour operators, visitor attractions and accommodation providers have worked hard to introduce new safety measures and precautions to help ensure visitors and staff are kept safe.”
Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said:
“We are delighted to unveil our new £5 million campaign to promote Northern Ireland in GB – which will highlight our great cities, spectacular scenery and the many things to see and do here. As we begin to rebuild our tourism business from the all-important GB market, our aim is to remind prospective visitors that Northern Ireland is the perfect destination for a short break or holiday. Tourism Ireland will be pulling out all the stops to drive as much business as possible to Northern Ireland over the coming months.”
GB is an important market for tourism to Northern Ireland. Before COVID-19, in 2019, we welcomed almost 1.5 million GB visitors to Northern Ireland, whose visits generated £369 million in revenue.
Pictured at the Giant's Causeway are (l-r) Christopher Brooke, Vice-Chairman of Tourism Ireland; Gordon Lyons MLA, Minister for the Economy; Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland; and Esther Dobbin, Giant's Causeway, at the launch of Tourism Ireland’s promotional campaign to boost travel to Northern Ireland from GB.
On the Road to Recovery
In April 2020, Diane Dodds MLA, the Northern Ireland Economy Minister, established and chaired a Tourism Recovery Steering Group to assist in responding to the immediate, and devastating, impact of COVID-19 on the tourism and hospitality industry. The Group, which brought together stakeholders from industry, central and local government, was tasked with developing a Tourism Recovery Action Plan aimed at ensuring the survival, and subsequent recovery, of the tourism and hospitality industry from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister also established a supporting Tourism Recovery Working Group, chaired by John McGrillen, the Chief Executive of Tourism NI, to lead on engagement with all sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry. The Working Group was supported by over 100 stakeholders via 10 Task and Finish Groups. After a number of months of research and consultation the experts have produced a Recovery plan aimed at getting the tourism sector back on its feet.
At CWA as we support local Chinese businesses many of which are in the catering and hospitality sector and other local tourism businesses geared to international visitors we will be working in line with the strategic recovery plan.
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Visit Northern China
Top China Destinations
China is not only one of the largest countries in the world, but also one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. More than 55 million travelers from all over the globe swarm to China, then scatter to different region of the vast land each year. The diverse geographic forms create some of the best landscape in the world – beautiful mountains, rivers and gorges in southern China, splendid gobi and desert on the northwest, dominating high plateaus on the southwest, vast grasslands in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, etc. Most charming highlight of China is its fabulous culture and history made by its more than 5,000 years old civilization. Any of the longlasting imperial culture, folk culture, or the art of poem, calligraphy, painting and others, is enough for you to get amazed by the extensiveness and profoundness of Chinese culture. So where to explore above featured culture? Of course from the historical cities and destinations, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, etc.
Learn about the history, culture, attractions, transportation, weather and other travel information about a destination that you are planning to visit is very necessary. So, based on the local expertise knowledge and experience, China Discovery has collected the most popular destinations all of which are unique and easily accessed for you to find your idea destination to go.
Northern China
The northern region used to the culture center of China. It is also the cradle of Chinese civilization. Here are three greatest ancient capital cities – Beijing, Xian and Luoyang. Dunhuang, the important destination of ancient Silk Road, has the most fabulous Buddhism arts. Pingyao is famous for its Shanxi Merchants’ culture. Datong is fascinating for its Buddhism sculpture art and gorgeous temples.
BEIJING
Beijing is the capital city of the People’s Republic of China and the political, cultural and economic center of China. It has a glorious history which can be dated back three millennia. The most highlighting part is its great role of the ancient capital city since the past eight centuries. The city preserves the most magnificent imperial culture of China, including numerous historical architectures, relics, tradition, etc. Many world famous tourist sites are located in or near Beijing, such as Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, etc.
Why visit Beijing:
- City of World Heritage Sites - Beijing preserves seven World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Dynasty Tombs and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal), ranking first among all the cities around the world. Visiting these sites helps travelers to touch the best essence of ancient Chinese culture and history.
- Great Wall of China - Though the Great Wall sketches though more than a half territory of northern China, the best pieces which are regarded as the masterpiece are located in Beijing, such as Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, etc.
- Transportation Hub of China - Beijing is the most important transportation hub of both the economy and tourism. It is mostly chosen as an international flight arrival city. Furthermore, the flights and trains radiate to most other regions of China, including the far western Xinjiang, Tibet, etc.
XIAN
Located at the center of China, the capital city of Shanxi Province - Xian, together with Athens, Rome and Cairo, are called as the top four ancient capitals in history. 13 dynasties had settled capital in Xian from the 11th century BC to the 10th century AD, and that is why the UNESCO listed Xian as the World Historical and Cultural City in 1981.
Rich history endows Xian with unique charms as a tourist city. As the home to world-famed Terracotta Warriors and Horses and as the start point of Silk Road, through which China had conducted the most important economy and culture communication with the western world, Xian draws numerous tourists with its enormous historical sites and cultural landscapes, and gives you a chance to explore the ancient China.
Why visit Xian:
- Terracotta Warriors and Horses - There is no doubt that the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is the highlight of Xian. Buried in the ground for over 2000 years and discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army not only matters in the art history, showing the highly skilled sculpture area of ancient China, but also fills the archeological blank of Qin Dynasty, presenting the ancient army array and revealing the ancient weapon technology.
- Ancient Capital - No city in China is like Xian with such abundant history. As the most famous ancient capital city in Chinese history, though the dynastic times had gone, Xian still reserves many historical sites and cultural relics, which are the best way to experience the ancient China, the old and glorious days of China.
LUOYANG
Luoyang, in the western part of Henan province, is known to all as the "capital for 13 dynasties" and "city of peonies". Located along the northern side of Luo River, Luoyang is a cradle of Chinese civilization and one of the four imperial capitals of China, together with Beijing, Xian and Nanjing.
Through the ups and downs of ancient dynasties, Luoyang has some famous historical sites like Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple for tourists to know its past. Dotted with old-style buildings, the Luoyang old city will take you to enjoy the local life.
Why visit this city:
- 13 ancient capitals of China - The profound history and culture of different dynasties such as Northern Wei dynasty and Tang dynasty all left marks in Luoyang.
- The unparalleled historical sites - The world heritage site-Longmen Grottoes, the first Chinese temple-White Horse Temple and the biggest tomb complex - Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum.
- Luoyang Peony Festival - Symbolizing the peace, fortune and prosperity, peony as the city flower of Luoyang, attracts thousands of tourists in April and May each year.
- Gateway to Other Destinations of Henan - Owning an airport, a high speed train station and a normal train station, Luoyang is a great gateway to other attractions in Henan such as Shaolin Temple and Mount Yuntai.
PINGYAO
Pingyao, located in central Shanxi province, is a county-level city. Reputed for the ancient culture, it is home to various cultural relics and about 100 historical sites. Back to its history, Pingyao Ancient City is the great witness with 2700 years of history. Considered as the best-preserved ancient walled city in China and Pingyao city was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. Around the city, The Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple will impress you more with its classic architectural styles and imperial treasure of painted sculptures.
Why visit this city:
- Pingyao Ancient City - By keeping all the features of Chinese Han nationality during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it displays a complete picture of the unusual cultural, social, economic development for tourists tracing back the prosperity of that period.
- Imposing courtyards - The various well preserved grand courtyards with typical ancient building styles present a great historical value and architectural aesthetics, such as Qiao’s Family Compound, Wang’s Family Compound.
- Shanxi Merchants' culture - Shanxi was known for its merchant for years and Pingyao as the great hometown, once lived many great Shanxi Merchants, Qiao Zhizhong for instance, the host of Qiao’s Family Compound. Influenced by Confucian culture, their spirit, known as “Jin merchant spirit”, focuses on entrepreneurial spirit, professional ethics and community spirit, which spread into their family history, and can be learned once you travel to the courtyards.
DUNHUANG
As a little county-level city in northwest of Gansu Province, Dunhuang is a hot tourist destination with a glorious history of more than 2,000 years. It is best known for the magnificent Mogao Caves. Because its vast lands of Gobi and desert, Dunhuang was called Sha Zhou (Town of Sand), later in the period of Emperor Wu, Western Han Dynasty, the city was established as an vital border defensive city of Hexi Corridor to protect against invasion of Xiongnu. Since then, Dunhuang had played profound role in Chinese history, holding strategic gateway location to the western regions, stimulating trade, culture exchange for different cultures. Long ago, tourists and merchants gathered in Dunhuang for travel or business. What followed were customs, religions from different nationalities and regions. The stories about Indian, China, Greece and Islam are described in the Mogao Caves murals.
Ancient time passed by, most of the refulgent prosperity of Dunhuang was covered underground by sand. Only fascinating memory and relics left. Today, Dunhuang is an attractive place to dig out the past flourish and enjoy amazing desert views, marvellous Buddhist art and special ethnic customs
Why visit Dunhuang:
- Ancient Silk Road journey - As an important stop along the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang is the best place for you to explore the footprints of ancient trace of Silk Road. Ride a camel just like what the ancient travelers did, march forward on the boundless desert, visit ancient ruins to travel back. Isn’t it exciting?
- UNESCO Word Cultural Heritage Mogao Caves - The Mogao Caves recorded the 1600 years’ Chinese arts in different periods, including the extreme prosperous Tang Dynasty. It is the treasure house of Buddhist arts, also a unique book keeping cross-culture talks.
- Magnificent Gobi and Desert Scenery - Meet the most representative Gobi and desert scenery that stretching into far distance, have fun with those joyful desert activities. Break the long-lived silence and loneliness, and add joy to the old friends of nature.
- Diverse Mixed Culture and Cuisine - The Northwestern China has long been a region of residence many ethnic minorities lived and fought for. The Dunhuang Buddhist caves, local food and people, touching “Silk Road” shows all tell the national fusion and culture exchange happened thousands of years ago.
DATONG
Datong, as the second largest city in Shanxi Province, is a historical and cultural city. Located in the center of Datong Basin in the north of Shanxi Province, the junction of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi Province and Hebei Province, Datong has always been of vital importance in military due to its strategic position. It’s the capital city of Northern Wei Dynasty (A.D. 386 ~ 534). The city keeps a low profile, yet contains infinite energy. From the magnificent Yungang Grottoes of Northern Wei Dynasty to Huayan Temple and Shanhua Monastery of Liao Dynasty (A.D. 907 ~ 1125) and Jin Dynasty (A.D. 1115 ~ 1234), from the mysterious Hanging Temple which combines Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism together to the Taoist Mount Heng, Datong has perfectly mixed the multi-ethnic cultures into one and creates a new and unique Datong.
Why visit the city:
- Experience the Culture of Northern Wei Dynasty - As the ancient capital of Northern Wei Dynasty, Datong has lots of precious historical sites and relics from that time. Whether the amazing Yungang Grottoes or the precipitous Hanging Temple, tourists can experience the legacy of Northern Wei Dynasty in those historical sites.
- Foodie’s Paradise - Datong is full of delicious food from Central Plains and areas beyond the Great Wall. Various mutton and beef dishes, famous cooked wheaten food (sliced noodles are most famous) and other food made of coarse grains are the specialty in the local area.
- Yingxian Wooden Pagoda - The existing oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in China is Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, which is very close to Datong City, and tourists normally will add the pagoda into their Datong itinerary.
CHINA still set to Top Tourism
Despite the recent COVID Crisis and its impact on tourism and travel generally with China being worst hit predictions signal a bounce back. Experts agree that despite the pandemic China will be a a top destination by 2030. The Yellow Mountains and Shanghai Tower will be topping global travel bucket lists as China leapfrogs France to become the world’s top tourist destination.
And more Chinese will be travelling overseas in the coming decade than any other nationality, as household incomes rise, according to Euromonitor International’s Megatrends Shaping the Future of Travel report.
At the World Travel Market in London, Euromonitor International’s Head of Travel Caroline Bremner said: “Destinations like China are poised for a successful performance in inbound tourism, with China set to overtake France as the leading destination worldwide by 2030.”
The report estimates there will be 127 million arrivals in China each year by the end of the next decade, compared to 126 million in France and 116 million in the US.
China will overtake France to become the biggest tourist destination by 2030
Image: Euromonitor International
Asia on the up
Globally, 1.4 billion trips are expected to be taken this year, a 5% increase on last year, with total travel sales coming in at almost $2.5 trillion, according to the report’s author, Wouter Geerts.
Travel across Asia is especially taking off, with both inbound and outbound trips on the increase thanks to upcoming sporting events (the Tokyo Olympics and Winter Games in Beijing) boosting the region’s appeal, as well as “rapidly growing economies, and an expanding middle class seeking to spend its increasing disposable income on travel”.
Technology is a huge factor in this growth, says Geerts: “Online travel intermediaries such as Ctrip and Fliggy are today’s travel enablers in China, while traditional travel intermediaries in Japan and South Korea such as JTB and Hanatour are actively investing in their online channels to meet demand from their constantly-connected consumers.”
Digital technology is aiding travel and tourism in Asia
Image: Euromonitor International
“The gradual process of loosening visa restrictions has made travelling in the region easier, with 80% of arrivals in Asia originating from the region,” he adds.
Asia’s place as an emerging tourism market - both as an attractive destination and as a growing source of tourists.
It predicted the top 10 fastest growing destinations for leisure travel spending between 2016 and 2026 would be India, Angola, Uganda, Brunei, Thailand, China, Myanmar, Oman, Mozambique and Vietnam.
China’s pulling power
Within Asia, China is seeing the biggest tourism growth, with outbound trips set to reach 260 million by 2030. As well as becoming the biggest inbound market by 2030, domestic tourism is also taking off. And there will be 6.7 billion domestic trips by 2023, up from 4.7 billion in 2018.
How Chinese trips abroad will take off in the next decade
Geerts said: “Tourism is a key pillar of the Chinese economy, and much investment has been made to improve infrastructure and standards, in addition to tourism-friendly policies and initiatives.”
In the Forum’s 2017 index, China had moved up two places to be 15th in the rankings, with its exceptional natural and cultural resources to thank, as well as its increased international openness.
However, the report also noted China could enhance its competitiveness by doing more to “address environmental sustainability” (for which it ranked 132nd) and “to ensure the preservation of its unique natural resources”.
China has since changed its approach to the travel industry and is moving towards sustainable tourism.
In 2017, China National Tourism Association set guidelines on ‘all-for-one’ tourism demonstration zones to encourage local governments to improve tourism competitiveness and service quality - to boost regional economies.
Geerts notes: “The country is changing tack, and is looking at conservation, diversity of cultures and the natural environment as important aspects of a cohesive tourism offering.”
Study Here - Ulster University
Stay and Study Here
Your Gateway to a World Class Education
The Chinese Welfare Association has a track record in supporting students and promoting education within our community as well as welcoming students from overseas to our local universities. Let us help you stay and study here and find the right place for you.
Stay and Study
Introducing Our Local Universities
Education is the key to the future and we have been working with both main universities in Northern Ireland to help them reach out to students from China. They have both been engaged in strong outreach programmes, with information and help in Chinese. So why not have a look at what they have to offer and speak to someone today.
Speak to Someone
CWA Introducing You
Introducing Zibo, the Chinese Regional Manager.
Welcome to your country’s information page. Here, you’ll find relevant information for your country to help you make an application to one of our degree programmes, including entry requirements, Ulster University’s events near you and even contact information for our local representatives in your country. I’m here to help you with any questions you may have about studying at Ulster University. Why not check if we’re visiting your country soon for an event, or feel free to contact me via the channels below.
Stay and Study
Belfast - a seat of learning
Working with Belfast City Council to bridge the digital divide we have created a digital bridge between Belfast and China which will help students from both counties make the best choices about their future.
We are one of the top 150 young universities in the world (THE Young Rankings, 2018) yet our history dates back to 1865. Choose to study at Ulster and you will be rewarded with first-class teaching in state-of-the-art facilities supported by outstanding pastoral care. We are proud to welcome international students from more than 100 countries across the globe.
Why Ulster University?
With a newly built Belfast Campus, students will live and study in the heart of the city. Increasing numbers of international students around the globe are choosing Ulster University as their UK study destination. The choice of courses and campuses is one reason from the Magee Campus in vibrant legendary Londonderry to the beautiful north coast and Coleraine students can also enjoy the benefit of city life with the Belfast/Jordanstown campus.
Ulster University (UU) is a multi-campus university in Northern Ireland that was founded in 1984. Comprising six faculties, the university is home to approximately 26,000 students, 2,000 of whom are international from over 80 different countries.
In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), UU was ranked within the top five universities in the UK for its research in law, biomedical sciences, nursing, and art and design.
The university also boasts strong links with business and industry and courses are structured to allow students to combines their studies with vocational work placements.
Its main Belfast campus constitutes one of Northern Ireland’s largest urban developments. Situated in Cathedral Quarter, the artistic and cultural area of the city, the campus is currently undergoing a £250 million redevelopment programme to upgrade its teaching and learning facilities.
Although traditionally associated with Art, the Belfast campus has expanded to include subjects such as architecture, event management, Irish language, photography and digital animation. It also plays host to frequent fashion shows, art exhibitions and other cultural events across its 75,000sqm estate.
The course provision at UU’s Coleraine campus is broad, encompassing biomedical sciences, business, the humanities, computing, film and journalism, among others.
The campus sits on the banks of the river Bann, less than a mile from the centre of Coleraine – the largest and busiest town on the Causeway Coast – offering easy access to the nearby beaches of Portrush and Portstewart, as well as the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site. On campus, the Riverside Theatre – the third largest professional theatre in Northern Ireland – is a main attraction.
UU is a leading university for sport in Ireland and the UK, with its Jordanstown campus, located seven miles north of Belfast city centre, providing a home to the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland where leading athletes train.
The Magee campus is another main sports centre comprising a fitness suite and floodlit pitches. The nearby River Foyle and town of Donegal offer a range of outdoor activities including sailing, rowing, canoeing, hill walking and climbing.
A Global University
Ulster University is a young, dynamic and innovative university with a spirit that transforms lives, stretches minds, develops skills and raises ambitions.
International students from over 100 countries worldwide choose Ulster every year for the unique experience studying in Northern Ireland offers them.
HEAR FROM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Shaping Futures in Northern Ireland
Ulster University welcomes international students telling them
“Let us help you fulfil your potential.
Whatever your personal or professional ambitions, we have an exciting range of courses designed to prepare you for a successful future and a rewarding career.
Experience first class teaching, an inclusive learning environment, outstanding facilities and resources, and ongoing support to help you realise your goals.
From affordable tuition fees and accommodation to high graduate employability, Ulster University offers international students an outstanding UK study experience that prepares international students as leaders in their future careers.
1. We build careers
Our courses are designed with employability in mind. To help ensure you are industry ready, we offer…
· Qualifications and accreditations to get ahead – We work with accrediting bodies to develop degrees that prepare you for future certifications or provide exemptions.
· Real-world experience – We design our courses so that you learn in highly practical environments, seminars, and working project teams that will prepare you for the real world including live industry projects and masterclasses from experts.
· Placements – Most of our courses include the option to complete a paid placement year in industry. You will gain real-world experience and a CV building Diploma in Professional Practice or Diploma in Professional Practice – International.
2. You can choose a campus and lifestyle to suit you
Each of our campus’s has its own distinctive atmosphere and you can be sure that wherever you choose to study, you will have a fantastic student experience.
Belfast/Jordanstown
Located within Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, and with digital and social connectivity at its heart, our Belfast campus has a modern, creative vibe. With a range of sporting facilities at our Jordanstown campus just 15 minutes away, it is the perfect mix of city-centre living with edge-of-town space.
Coleraine – situated on the banks of the River Bann and just three miles from the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart, our Coleraine campus is an outdoor lover’s dream.
Magee – located in the heart of Northern Ireland’s second city, Derry~Londonderry and only a short distance from idyllic Co Donegal, Magee offers the best of both worlds – a city campus with a friendly vibe.
3. Get two experiences in one – stay home and go global
You’ll benefit from an excellent on campus experience which is close to home but also the options to see the world through one of our many study partnership programmes and global placement opportunities. We have over 300 institutions available worldwide for student exchange and can connect you with global employers with placement opportunities. Students have gone to Asia, America, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
4. We’re here to support you
University life is exciting, and we know you will experience a big change with new friends, new studies and new living situations. Our Student Wellbeing Team provide advice and guidance on a range of issues like dealing with stress, academic matters, financial advice and how to adapt to student life. All our students can also access our confidential 24/7 counselling helpline.
5. We are one of the most affordable universities in the UK and Ireland
Northern Ireland has one of the lowest costs of living in the UK. Enjoy low rents, affordable living expenses, and lots of free entertainment.
We receive over 35,000 undergraduate applications every year
Local Chinese Community Support
We know how difficult moving away from home and travelling round the world to embark on challenging studied in another language. All those things we miss about home from friends and family to food and fun. While the excitement and rewards of such a move are huge there will always be a time of adjustment and home sickness. Therefore the Chinese Welfare Association provides a wide range of events and courses which will help Chinese and other international students feel right at home. A safe space where they can meet each other and enjoy friendship and food as well as a way of exploring Belfast and Northern Ireland.
WeChat promotes Northern Ireland
Tourism Ireland has joined forces with WeChat, the hugely popular messaging, social media and mobile payment app in China.
The partnership involves a new mini-programme on WeChat, called ‘Explore Ireland’ – designed to make it as easy as possible for prospective Chinese visitors to choose the island of Ireland.
The online guide features information on visas for travel to Ireland, festivals happening here right throughout the year, hotels, visitor attractions, great filming locations to visit, the perfect honeymoon spots, a map navigation, as well as a translation function. Chinese visitors to the island of Ireland can also complete their tax refund on any purchases made here within the mini-programme.
China is the largest outbound travel market in the world and one that Tourism Ireland is committed to growing over the coming years. In 2019, Tourism Ireland announced its intention to double its marketing investment in China, to €1 million, and to also double its marketing team to 12 – to grow Chinese visitor numbers to 200,000 by 2025.
“Given the importance of social media in China, we are delighted to partner with WeChat to raise awareness of the island of Ireland among Chinese travellers,” said Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Asia and Middle East. "We’re confident that our new ‘Explore Ireland’ mini-programme will prove to be an effective way of reaching prospective Chinese visitors – using up-to-date, practical and engaging content to ensure Ireland stands out from other destinations."
In 2020, Tourism Ireland will once again roll out a busy programme of publicity, digital and social media activity, to continue to grow Chinese visitor numbers to the island of Ireland. The organisation will also continue to work closely with leading online travel agents and tour operators.
Opening page of the ‘Explore Ireland’ mini-programme on WeChat.WeCha
As CWA develops its own heritage and cultural tourism offerings we will be encouraging local Chinese and BME groups to promote their events and festivals such as Chinese New Year to international audiences. The opportunity to reach the Chinese market is too good to miss and our local businesses including tour guides and unique Chinese-NI Fusion food and events are a great addition to any tourist itinerary.
Ireland- Most Anticipated
Ireland has been named one of the top ten ‘most anticipated destinations’ at a travel awards ceremony in China.
The award was presented to Tourism Ireland in Shanghai, at a ceremony organised by WITrip – a high-end travel magazine. The awards celebrate excellence in travel and the winners are voted by readers of the magazine, as well as by a jury of travel experts. At the ceremony, Ireland was named one of the ‘top ten most anticipated destinations’ for Chinese travellers, along with countries like France, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, South Africa and Montenegro.
Tourism Ireland also recently scooped another award in China – at the 16th annual National Tourism Fashion Awards in Beijing. National Tourism is a well-known Chinese travel trade publication and the accolade was for the ‘Top 10 Destination Promotion Breakthrough Award’. Tourism Ireland was named with other national tourist boards, including VisitBritain, Tourism Australia, Destination Canada, Visit Hungary and the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi – in the category which recognises ‘outstanding marketing efforts’.
Welcoming the news, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said:
“We are delighted that Ireland has been recognised as one of the top ten ‘most anticipated destinations’ at WITrip’s awards ceremony in Shanghai. During this devastating period for travel and tourism, this accolade is good news and will help inspire Chinese travellers to put the island of Ireland on their future holiday wish-list – when the time is right. Accolades like this help shine a spotlight on Ireland for all the right reasons.”
Iris Wang, Tourism Ireland, accepting the award for Ireland being named one of the ‘top ten most anticipated destinations’ for Chinese travellers, at WITrip's travel awards ceremony in Shanghai.
Virtual Tourism Opportunities
The European Travel Commission (ETC) is holding the first EUROPE Virtual Travel Trade Show in China from 19-23 April, bringing together European destinations and travel companies with buyers in China, to prepare for the successful recovery of Chinese tourism to Europe. The event is co-funded by the European Union.
This first-of-its-kind event seeks to educate and establish meaningful partnerships with the Chinese travel trade regarding European destinations and experiences, showcase Europe’s readiness to welcome Chinese travelers back when the time is right, and highlight the European tourism industry’s commitment to health and safety protocols.
The event and its exhibitor selection are centered on three key themes: Creative Cities, Nature, and History. These themes will be reflected in the exhibitors’ digital resources provided to the Chinese travel trade, as well as during the event’s conference sessions. Spread over three days, the New Horizons Forum will feature industry experts from both China and Europe, for high-level discussions on the future of tourism. Conference sessions include keynote speeches from ETC Executive Director, Eduardo Santander, and from two distinguished Chinese officials: President of China Tourism Academy, Dai Bin, and Secretary General of China Association of Travel Services, Sun Guizhen. The program also features two panel discussions on “Where Is China’s Tourism Market Heading Post-Pandemic” and “Experience-focused and Customized Travel for FITs”, with the aim of generating ideas on how Europe can seize the opportunity to capture early market share when travel resumes.
This 100% online B2B event connects European destinations and their local partners with more than 200 pre-qualified Chinese buyers for 1-on-1 virtual meetings via video call and chat on any device – desktop computer, mobile or WeChat. The platform is fully bilingual, with interpretation services available upon request. In addition to the matchmaking meetings, exhibitors will also have digital booths, where they can share brochures, videos, and other information with trade visitors. Each European exhibitor will have an opportunity to discuss future cooperation with at least 15 Chinese buyers from leading travel companies. The full event, including B2B matchmaking sessions, virtual exhibition, and online conference sessions, is powered by virtual event partner Dragon Trail International.
The trade show will feature 100 exhibitors selected through a rigorous application process. The final set of 100 exhibitors takes into account geographical balance, and the alignment of products with the ETC’s objective of attracting the new generation of Chinese FIT and small group travelers who travel to enjoy unique natural, cultural and historical experiences. The 100 exhibitors come from 24 European countries, including national, regional, and municipal tourism boards and their local partners, including hotels, retailers, tour operators, and transportation companies.
“Europe has remained the first-choice long-haul destination for Chinese travelers throughout the pandemic, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming back Chinese visitors to enjoy our renowned tourism resources including diverse nature, creative cities, and rich history. As the ETC’s first virtual event for the China market, the EUROPE Travel Trade Show in China aims to kick start the recovery process, empowering European destinations and tourism providers to make essential connections for future business through an innovative, multi-functional digital platform,” said Zuzanna Gutkowska, Chairperson of the ETC China Chapter.
Opening Up New Chinese Markets
Nine tourism enterprises from around the island of Ireland are joining Tourism Ireland virtually at the ETOA China European Marketplace, today (11 May).
The online B2B workshop is organised by the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and will be attended by around 70 Chinese tour operators and travel buyers. It involves a series of pre-scheduled, one-to-one video appointments – connecting the companies from Ireland with the Chinese travel professionals.
The aim is to showcase the island of Ireland to these key tour operators and travel buyers from China, to position us well for when the time is right to welcome Chinese, and other international, visitors once again.
Iris Wang, Tourism Ireland’s Marketing Manager in China, said:
“We are really pleased to take part in the ETOA China European Marketplace. The format of virtual one-to-one appointments provides a good opportunity for our partners to showcase the island of Ireland to the important Chinese tour operators and travel buyers. Our message for those travel professionals is that, when the time is right, we will have everything ready to welcome Chinese visitors back to our shores. We’ll be assuring them that tourism companies across the island of Ireland have been implementing all the required new health and safety measures – but will still be ready to deliver a fantastic holiday experience for their clients.”
