First direct flights from RoI to China to take off in June

Hainan Airlines will operate from Dublin to Beijing, while Cathay Pacific will connect Hong Kong with the Irish capital.

Eight direct flights will link the countries each week.

“Today’s announcement is excellent news for Irish tourism in 2018 and beyond,” said Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons.

“As an island destination, we know the importance of direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated; there’s a proven direct correlation between access and growth in visitor numbers, so this new flight will be a major game-changer in growing visitor numbers.

China is an important emerging travel market and one that Tourism Ireland is committed to growing over the coming years.”

Chinese travellers can visit the UK and Ireland on a single visa from either country.

It is estimated that around 70,000 visited the island of Ireland in 2017.