From Shanghai to Sneem as Kerry features in Chinese self driving guidebook

IN Kerry we pride ourselves in knowing how destinations like Waterville, Portmagee, Sneem, Rossbeigh, Killorglin, Killarney and Dingle are worth a visit at any time of year. But, thanks to the initiative of Chinese company DIDI Car Rental, the people of China could soon be about to experience the best destinations the Kingdom has to offer for themselves.

DIDI Car Rental is one of the largest car hire companies in the world’s most populous country and it recently launched its first ever self-drive travel guidebook which includes a ‘southern driving route’ featuring some of Kerry’s tourism hotspots, targeting Chinese travellers who want to take self-drive holidays overseas.

The online guidebook and app includes information about local traffic rules, driving license requirements, as well as signature driving routes in different destinations - information that is shared among millions of registered car users.

According to latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, China is now the world’s largest outbound travel market with 135 million people travelling overseas each year, spending on average $261 bn.

“China is an important emerging travel market and one that Tourism Ireland is committed to growing over the coming years. The fact that this ‘southern driving route’ features in the new DIDI guidebook is good news indeed as it will help to raise awareness among Chinese travellers about our spectacular scenery and the many things to see and do on a holiday here,” said James Kenny, Tourism Ireland’s Manager in China.

Tourism Ireland has strong network links in China, with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

What’s Mandarin for Rossbeigh Beach? .... A major Chinese car hire company has just launched a travel guidebook and app that haevily features Kerry.