On the 8th of November 2024, the "Hello Beijing" Beijing Culture and Tourism Bureau (BCTB) promotional event was successfully held at the Hyatt Centric Hotel in Dublin. The event was attended by the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, Tourism Ireland and a wide range of companies from the Irish tourism industry.
Hello Beijing Culture and Tourism Promotion Event
On November 8, 2024, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism hosted the “Hello, Beijing” Culture and Tourism Promotion Event at the Hyatt Centric, The Liberties, Dublin, celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland. Key speakers included Yang Tong, Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland; Sun Jian, Deputy Director-General of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism; and James Kenny, Industry Manager - Emerging Markets at Tourism Ireland.
Yang Tong highlighted the strength of China-Ireland relations over the past 45 years, noting fruitful cooperation in culture, tourism, and other sectors. He pointed out that China’s recent visa-free policy for Irish citizens will further encourage travel between the two countries, fostering cultural exchange.
Sun Jian expressed his honor in introducing Beijing’s vibrant cultural offerings. He then underscored Beijing’s unique offerings for Irish tourists, sharing that Beijing received 2.719 million inbound visitors from January to September 2024, a 207.8% year-on-year increase. He invited Irish tourists to experience Beijing’s unique attractions, including the Great Wall, the UNESCO-listed Central Axis, and cultural sites like hutongs and traditional courtyards. He emphasized Beijing’s commitment to two-way tourism with Ireland, aiming for sustainable growth and cooperation.
James Kenny praised the sister-city relationship between Beijing and Dublin, expressing confidence that China-Ireland tourism will continue expanding, especially with Hainan Airlines’ year-round Dublin-Beijing direct flights.
Special guest Kevin Carey, an early explorer of China, shared memories from his 1976 UCD soccer tour 2008 Olympic visit, noting Beijing’s transformation. Travel enthusiast Paula Kilgarriff also captivated attendees with stories of Beijing’s cultural vibrancy.
The event concluded with a lively lucky draw, w
Our partners are experiencing the ancient and mysterious Chinese culture：Tai Chi on Wudang Mountain, a kind of Chinese Kungfu, and Yin and Yang, which are famous in China.
It is both light-hearted and feels deeply resonant. With typical Irish humor, full of self-deprecation and banter about country life. Both laugh-out-loud funny and reflective of small pleasures of ordinary life.
