Ireland rolling out the green carpet for Chinese tourists

All signage in the Dublin International Airport is now in three languages – Irish, English and Chinese. There are Chinese staff on hand to help with tax back procedures, including through Alipay.

Tourism Ireland has advised hotels and bed and breakfasts targeting Chinese visitors to offer free Wi-Fi, green tea, kettles, toiletries and slippers in the rooms. Some accommodations and restaurants in Ireland have started to offer services by scanning WeChat QR codes.

In China, TI is trying co-branding with suitable brands in joint efforts with airlines, brands such as Xiaomi and Sugar and with tour platforms such as Mafengwo and Ctrip.

Kenny viewed it as "business as usual" despite the implications of the UK's Brexit plan on Irish tourism. "The impact can be mitigated through a combination of aggressive marketing and the continuation of existing successful wider policy initiatives," Kenny said.