Some of the most scenic drives around are right on our doorstep.
Ireland’s tourism industry received a massive boost this week after we were named as the ‘best overseas self-drive touring destination’ at an awards ceremony in China.
The awards were organised by travel giant Ctrip, the leading online travel agent in China, with more than 250 million customers, and the second largest travel agency in the world.
The Ctrip awards for the various categories are decided upon by votes from over 25 million cTrip users and by a judging panel.
Ireland was one of four destinations listed in the ‘best overseas self-drive touring’ category alongside Australia, Portugal and Guam, with stunning routes such as the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route helping Ireland to the overall prize.
The news comes after the Wild Atlantic Way was named as a ‘Best International Self-Drive Route’ in the important HuiZuChe awards in China last year.
Accepting the award, James Kenny, Tourism Ireland’s Manager China, said: “We are delighted that Ireland has been named a ‘best self-drive destination’ for Chinese travellers. People nowadays have so much choice, which makes it more important than ever that the island of Ireland really stands out from other competitor destinations – so this award is really good news as we roll out our busy promotional drive for 2018 here in China.
“Tourism Ireland has been working hard to build awareness of the island of Ireland in China. Last year, we estimate that approximately 70,000 Chinese people visited island of Ireland. This accolade from cTrip will help to inspire Chinese holidaymakers to choose the island of Ireland; it also provides Tourism Ireland with another great hook to continue to promote Ireland as a ‘must see’ destination in 2018.”
