Ireland’s Cobh Tourism Certified as Chinese Tourist Welcome Quality Organisation

Cobh Tourism has become the first organisation in the Republic of Ireland to be awarded with COTRI’s CTW Chinese Tourist Welcome Quality Organisation status following the participation of 34 local tourism businesses in the CTW Chinese Tourist Welcome Training Programme, led by COTRI Country Partner Dr. Tony Lenehan, Executive Director the of Centre for Competitiveness.

The presentation of the awards took place in a special ceremony at Cobh’s Commodore Hotel, which was attended by Tourism Ireland’s China Country Manager James Kenny.

Citing the importance of dispersing Chinese outbound travellers to “innovative” regions such as Cobh, Co. Cork, especially during the off-season, Guest of Honour Kenny explained that visitors from China represented “considerable opportunities” for local tourism providers.

Highlighting the importance of the training to the region, Chairman of Cobh Tourism Hendrick Verwey explained that: “The training has given us insights into what they expect and how to go the extra mile to welcome them and ensure that they have a wonderful time during their visit in Cobh. We now hope that Cobh will develop a reputation as being accessible to the Chinese market, and therefore a must visit destination for Chinese visitors to Ireland and the UK.”

Dr Lenehan, who also delivered CTW Chinese Tourist Welcome Training to Titanic Belfast – which was awarded the title of World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016 – stressed the importance of tourism providers adapting their products to the unique Chinese customer base, adding that: “The Training provided a comprehensive introduction to the Chinese market and how to become ‘China ready’ with lots of ideas for turning Cobh’s venues and attractions into products that fit with what the Chinese visitor would like to experience.”

COTRI China Outbound Tourism Research Institute provides expert insights into the worldwide developments of China’s outbound tourism market. As Chinese outbound tourists are travelling to a large range of destinations, our publications cover a number of regions, providing detailed insights and analysing visitor behaviour.

With COTRI’s insights you can forge a successful business strategy built upon in-depth market expertise, comprehensive qualitative analysis and future projections. The Autumn 2016 Edition of the COTRI Market report features in-depth exploration of the developing trends in the field, supported by a wealth of qualitative and quantitative statistical research.

See more: Centre for Competitiveness