Ireland rolling out the green carpet for Chinese tourists

TI reported approximately 90,000 Chinese inbound visits in 2017, with an annual increase of 45 percent. Considering the direct flights from Beijing and Hong Kong to Dublin starting this year the number is expected to be well over 100,000 in 2018.

"We are very aware of the growing trend in free independent travelers and tailor-made travel and these fit very well with our direct flights and tourism offerings," Kenny said.

The agency noticed Chinese visitors are attracted to self-driving tours and screen tourism experiences and will follow closely the appetites in the Chinese market.

For self-driving and culture tours lovers, brands like Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and Dublin, a Breath of Fresh Air will continue bring their skills to the table. For Game of Thrones fans, a number of screen tours are available in Northern Ireland to follow the footsteps of their favorite characters. Furthermore, Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast and its coastal getaway the Causeway Coast, topping Lonely Planet’s 2018 Best in Travel list, are not to be missed.