Chinese journalists visit Birr

A group of influential journalists from China, including representatives of the Beijing Times, Radio Beijing and the Shanghai Morning Post, visited Birr last week as guests of Tourism Ireland and Emirates. The tourists, who were here to experience first hand some of the things to see and do in the area, enjoyed a visit to Birr Castle as well as a tour of its Science Centre. Tourism Ireland China's Susan Li said afterwards such visits were extremely important, and helped 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," she said. With approximately two million Chinese people visiting Europe each year, it is a significant emerging tourism market and one Ireland can 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," Ms Li said. "Press visits like this are an invaluable part of that promotional effort." 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 and working closely with travel and lifestyle journalists to ensure the island of Ireland features extensively in the media in China.