Kenny announces extension to China visa waiver programme
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has announced plans to provide easier access to visas to get more Chinese tourists to come to Ireland.
Speaking in Beijing, Mr Kenny said the Government would allow a four-year extension to its visa waiver programme.
It means that Chinese people visiting the UK will not have to apply for a separate visa to come to Ireland.
The Taoiseach also signalled Ireland’s warm welcome for Chinese visitors with the introduction of a short-stay visa for individual travellers. In the past, Chinese people have travelled to Ireland as part of a tour group.
Around 10,000 Chinese tourists visit Ireland each year.
Mr Kenny said he hopes the measure will result in many more visitors.
"I know that by 2020 over 100m Chinese people will travel on holidays throughout the world," he said.
"I want many of those to come to Europe and particularly to Ireland."
The decision was welcomed by Tourism Ireland.
"The extension of the visa waiver scheme and the introduction of the short-stay visa for individual travellers is really good news and a significant step in helping us to grow visitor numbers from China in 2012 and beyond," said Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Niall Gibbons.
Mr Gibbons said he believed that this market has the potential to grow considerably, "especially given China’s strong economy and growing population, which includes an estimated 535,000 ‘high net worth’ individuals".
