Group paves way for Chinese tourism to Ireland

THE first organised tourism group from China, which is in Ireland this week, could pave the way for millions of other visitors from that vast country in the years ahead.

Yesterday, the 21-strong group sampled the delights of Killarney in the early springtime, viewing the lakes and also taking in Muckross House, followed by a tour of the scenic Ring of Kerry.

Ireland was granted approved destination status (ADS) by the Chinese authorities in May 2004.