ICCTA January Update 2026
A Flying Start and the Year of the Horse Ahead
Taoiseach's China Visit and Tourism Partnership Momentum
Earlier in January, Taoiseach Micheal Martin led a state visit to China, the first by an Irish leader in 14 years. The visit created a positive context for deeper Ireland-China cooperation as Ireland looks ahead to its EU Presidency later in 2026.
A key tourism highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Tourism Ireland and Trip.com Group in Shanghai. The partnership is expected to support Ireland's profile on one of China's largest travel platforms.
Connectivity was also part of the discussion, with high-level support voiced for strengthening air links, including the potential of a direct Shanghai-Dublin route to complement the existing Beijing service.
Universal Tourism Exhibition and B2B Roadshow
The Universal Tourism Exhibition returns in spring 2026, beginning a multi-city B2B roadshow in Shanghai and Beijing from 10 March.
For Irish tourism businesses, this kind of touring exhibition can offer a cost-effective route to meet vetted Chinese buyers across important regional markets.
ICCTA will continue to monitor opportunities that may help Irish destinations, attractions and experience providers build practical distribution connections in China.
Two-Way Tourism at Holiday World Show
January's Holiday World Show reflected the two-way nature of Ireland-China tourism exchange.
The China National Tourist Office promoted the Nihao China campaign and visa-free travel to Irish holidaymakers, while Irish tourism boards engaged with Chinese communities and visitors in Ireland.
This reciprocal promotion is important: it showcases China to Irish travellers while also presenting Ireland's heritage, regions and visitor experiences to Chinese audiences.
Year of the Horse Galas
As Ireland moved toward the Year of the Horse, Spring Festival programming gathered strong public interest across the island.
The Dublin Gala at the National Concert Hall and the Wexford Gala at the National Opera House were highlighted as key cultural moments, with Wexford marking an important first performance outside Dublin in partnership with Wexford County Council.
Programme highlights included the 9-Pieced Dragon, a high-speed acrobatic dragon dance, and a Monkey King performance inspired by Journey to the West.
Trinity College Talks: Gardens, Kung Fu and Cultural Memory
Trinity Centre for Asian Studies presented two February cultural highlights exploring Dublin's hidden connections with China and the global story of martial arts.
Dr Isabella Jackson's talk on the Chinese Garden in St Anne's Park examined the history and symbolism of the Irish-Suzhou Garden.
A second session with Joseph Clarke explored Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do and the cultural power of kung fu as a language of identity and intercultural dialogue.
Zhejiang Wu Opera and Living Cultural Exchange
The Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe provided another vivid example of how traditional performance can support cultural understanding between Ireland and China.
For audiences unfamiliar with Chinese opera, performances like these create memorable entry points into regional heritage, costume, music, movement and storytelling.
ICCTA sees this kind of programming as part of a wider cultural tourism ecosystem, where performance, education and travel interest can reinforce one another.
Explore Sino-Irish tourism and cultural opportunities
Email ICCTA at info@cits.ie to discuss partnerships, destination promotion, cultural exchange or future newsletter features.