Ambassador’s praise for Wicklow brochure
MANDARIN CHINESE VERSION OF TOURISM BOOKLET IS LAUNCHED
THE strong links between Wicklow and China were again evident last week as His Excellency Yue Xiaoyong, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, launched the Mandarin Chinese version of the Wicklow Tourism brochure at Powercourt.
Ambassador Yue congratulated Wicklow County Council and all involved in the launch of the brochure, saying that highlighted ‘what Wicklow is rightly proud of: its natural scenery, a rich cultural heritage, lively outdoor activities and world class golf courses.’
Speaking about efforts to bring China and Ireland closer together, he said that both countries were ‘courageously embracing globalisation and seizing opportunities with it.’
Ambassador Yue praised Wicklow County Council’s relationship with China’s Hainan province, which was developing as a pilot zone for integration with the global economy, including the development of the natural environment, an international tourism centre and major national strategic logistics zone. Visitors from 59 countries will be able to visit Hainan without a Chinese visa, subject to booking requirements.
Ambassador Yue said that last week three beef processing plants in Ireland were approved by Chinese authorities to export Irish beef to the huge Chinese market and spoke of the many opportunities becoming available to Irish businesses as China further opens its market. Referencing a great Chinese poet, he said it was time to ‘seize the moment’.
In July 2017, cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Edward Timmins, and the Vice Governor of Hainan Province, Mr Mao Chaofeng, signed a friendship agreement between the province and Wicklow, committing to cooperate and facilitate mutual exchanges in areas such as tourism, education, science, agriculture, forestry and culture.
In November 2017, the cathaoirleach led a delegation to participate in a major tourism event in Hainan. The brochure was initially prepared for the purposes of promoting Wicklow at this event but was reprinted to celebrate the 2018 EU China Year of Tourism and the fact that direct flights from Beijing and Hong Kong to Ireland are to due commence this June.
After a short video showcasing the highlights of the Wicklow visit to Hainan, Cllr Timmins told Ambassador Yue that ‘we hope to learn through engagement with our friends in Hainan and in China to become ‘China ready... and how we can go about making you feel valued, entertained and welcomed, to the extent that you will come back again and again.’
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Frank Curran, said he was sure all would agree that the brochure was an excellent calling card and a great way of promoting County Wicklow and Ireland in China.
Mr Curran spoke about Wicklow’s high-quality accommodation and excellent food and drink including Wicklow lamb, artisan cheeses and a unique range of beverages, from Black Castle Lemonade, to Wicklow Way Wines, a variety of craft beers, whiskey and gin.
‘ The incredible great houses and gardens of Wicklow such as the world renowned Powerscourt House and gems such as Kilmacurragh National Botanic Gardens add to our very special offering,’ he said.
Entertainment on the evening was provided by talented local musicians harpist Rachel Duffy and flautist Sadhbh Byrne, along with a troop of young Irish dancers from the Lisa Marie Berry School of Dance and traditional Chinese Lion Dancers.