Friday, May 23, 2025
Tourism Ireland is leading a dynamic sales campaign across Asia this month, partnering with a select group of eight tourism companies from the island of Ireland. This strategic initiative aims to deepen ties with key markets in China and South Korea, tapping into the growing appetite for Irish travel experiences among Asian travelers.
Over the course of eight intensive days, the delegation will visit the bustling metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai in China, followed by Seoul in South Korea. This focused itinerary encompasses five major business-to-business (B2B) events designed to foster direct engagement between Irish tourism providers and influential travel industry professionals from these vital markets. Through these targeted sessions, the Irish delegation expects to conduct more than one thousand commercial meetings, providing ample opportunity to showcase Ireland’s diverse tourism offerings and create new business partnerships.
Central to this sales blitz is Tourism Ireland’s goal to inspire and educate travel agents and tour operators on the breadth and depth of experiences available across the island. From the rich cultural heritage and spectacular landscapes to unique attractions and authentic hospitality, these interactions aim to encourage travel professionals to recommend Ireland with greater confidence to their clients. By highlighting the distinctive stories and signature experiences, the campaign seeks to boost visitor numbers from Asia and increase tourism revenue.
A key feature of the promotional effort will be emphasizing the convenience of the direct air connection operated by Hainan Airlines, linking Beijing to Dublin. This non-stop route significantly enhances accessibility for Chinese travelers, reducing travel time and providing an attractive gateway to explore Ireland’s many charms.
The companies representing Ireland in this ambitious sales drive are carefully chosen leaders across various tourism sectors, reflecting the island’s multifaceted appeal. Among them is the iconic Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which offers fans a chance to step into the epic fantasy world filmed across Northern Ireland’s stunning locations. GroupMeals specializes in culinary experiences that bring groups together around Ireland’s renowned food and drink scene. Irish Brand Homes promotes high-end accommodation that combines luxury with authentic Irish character, while Kildare Village offers premium shopping experiences blending fashion and heritage.
Rachel Sunshine International Ltd brings its expertise in inbound travel services, providing tailor-made itineraries and seamless travel arrangements. Stena Line connects Ireland to the UK by sea, offering a convenient transport link that complements air travel options. Titanic Belfast, a world-class visitor attraction, shares the story of the ill-fated ocean liner in the city where it was built, captivating tourists with immersive exhibits. Finally, Zatino Travel specializes in personalized Irish travel experiences, creating memorable journeys for discerning visitors.
Together, these companies form a powerful collective, presenting a comprehensive and compelling vision of what Ireland offers to visitors from China and South Korea. Their presence at the B2B events allows for meaningful networking and the development of long-term business relationships that can drive sustained tourism growth from the Asian markets.
This sales blitz exemplifies Tourism Ireland’s proactive approach to expanding its footprint in global markets, especially in Asia where the potential for growth is significant. With increasing numbers of Chinese and South Korean travelers seeking distinctive, authentic travel destinations, Ireland’s combination of natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming culture positions it strongly as a preferred choice.
By investing in direct engagement and tailored promotions, Tourism Ireland aims to elevate Ireland’s profile among key industry players in these countries, helping to convert interest into actual bookings. The ongoing collaboration between Tourism Ireland and its partner companies reflects a shared commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and capitalizing on new opportunities in the competitive international travel landscape.
This focused campaign is expected to generate tangible results, contributing to Ireland’s broader tourism objectives and supporting economic development across the island. With each successful connection made during this sales blitz, Tourism Ireland reinforces the island’s reputation as a world-class travel destination for Asian visitors eager to explore its many wonders.
Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Global Partnerships, said: “Our sales blitz to Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul provides an excellent platform to highlight the many things to see and do, and all that is new and exciting, on a holiday on the island of Ireland in 2025. It’s a great opportunity for our tourism partners from Ireland to inform and influence the Chinese and South Korean travel professionals they meet about what the island has to offer and, importantly, to encourage them to include the destination in their future programmes and recommend it to their clients.”
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