Tourism Ireland welcomes new China Eastern Airlines service connecting Shanghai and Dublin

Tourism Ireland warmly welcomes today’s launch of a new flight between Shanghai and Dublin.  The new service, operated by China Eastern Airlines, will run three times weekly and will add approximately 45,000 seats annually, significantly strengthening direct air connectivity between China and Ireland.

China remains a key long-term growth market for tourism to the island of Ireland. Improved air access will support growth in visitor numbers and provides a valuable opportunity to further raise the profile of the island of Ireland among Chinese travellers. The new service will also leverage Shanghai’s position as a major international gateway, improving access to Ireland not only from Shanghai but also from wider markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. 

Supported by the Irish Government’s market diversification strategy, Tourism Ireland has established a strategic co-operative marketing partnership with China Eastern Airlines. The campaign will run until October and will build awareness of, and stimulate demand for, the new service, through high-impact outdoor advertising, as well as ads on WeChat Moments and targeted digital promotions. 

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome the new China Eastern Airlines service from Shanghai to Dublin. As an island destination, convenient, competitive and direct access is critical to tourism growth, so this new flight represents a valuable opportunity to grow visitor numbers from China and the Asia-Pacific region. At Tourism Ireland, we are proud to play our role in the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, by building partnerships and inspiring visitor demand from valued markets. The route will play an important role in supporting Ireland’s tourism growth and broader market diversification ambitions.”

A 12-person Chinese travel trade and media delegation has also travelled to Ireland on the inaugural flight. In collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland has arranged for them to experience some of our superb tourism offering over the coming days, to highlight the island of Ireland in China and maximise the tourism opportunities created by this enhanced connectivity.