中華民國外交部

Representative Lee Opens Taiwan Booth at Dublin Holiday World Show (Taipei Representative Office in Ireland)

On the morning of January 22, Representative David Lee cut the ribbon and officially opened Taiwan's booth at the Dublin Holiday World Show. The exhibition, one of the largest trade shows in Ireland for years, is an annual event providing countries around the world with an opportunity to showcase their homelands and to raise awareness of their culture and tradition. It regularly attracts 50,000 visitors over the weekend, and is a key focal point for enhancing overseas tourism.
Following the success of promoting Taiwan in 2009, the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland continues to make it top priority to raise Taiwan's visibility and profile, and earmarks the Holiday World Show as a wonderful opportunity to achieve the goal. Taiwan's unique fusion of beautiful scenery, hi-tech modernity, charming tradition, and friendly people seemed to strike a chord in the hearts of the Irish.
Representative Lee was joined by high-profile Irish political representatives Sean Ardagh T.D. and Terence Flanagan T.D. for the opening of the booth. Deputy Ardagh is Vice-Chair of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society, a bi-partisan association of which Mr. Flanagan is also a long-standing member. Both of them were proud to take part in the event and signed a plaque to show their support.
Renowned photographer Mike Bunn was also present to lend a little colour to the event, exhibiting a selection of stunning photos taken during a trip to Taiwan in mid-2009. Mr. Bunn's slideshow was very warmly appreciated by the audience, who seemed quite taken with the diverse beauty and insight into Taiwan’s culture. Joining Mr. Bunn in the opening was Mr. James Caffrey, a promoter who planned to bring a performing group to Taiwan in the coming year in order to give the island a taste of traditional Irish music and dance.
After the ribbon-cutting, traditional Taiwanese cookies and tea were served while Representative Lee gave a brief address. He thanked Deputy Ardagh and Deputy Flanagan for "their continued invaluable support." "2010," he further said, "could prove to be a real landmark year in terms of the tourism exchange between Ireland and Taiwan. Since the introduction of the visa-waiver scheme on July 1st, we have seen a remarkable increase in the volume of Taiwanese nationals visiting Ireland. But this must work both ways. Taiwan has a lot to capture the imaginations of the Irish people to visit Taiwan. Now is as good a time as any to make this happen. For that reason, our booth this year is double the size of that in 2009 and offers us a better platform to introduce Taiwan to the travel agencies as well as the general public in Ireland. Taiwan has much to offer Irish travelers, including a friendly and hospitable nature akin to the Irish themselves." This affinity, he noted, was one of the reasons why "Irish people always find themselves warmly welcomed and embraced in Taiwan."
Representative Lee went on to inform those present that "from March 2010 China Airlines will be offering a non-stop direct flight to London. This will make travel to Ireland much less of an obstacle and I must thank China Airlines for their vision in seeing the possibilities and for their action in taking this significant step to drive the bilateral exchange forward."
At the booth, there displayed a wide selection of brochures and materials on Taiwan, including a promotional pack containing a "Taiwan" lapel badge, a traditional tea cup, a waterproof travel bag, a DVD and a set of postcards. Information about package tours and excursions was also available. Mr. Bunn's photographic essay, Flying Fish and Dumplings, chronicling his visual experience in Taiwan continued to be screened.

Photo:
1. At the opening of the Taiwan booth at the 2010 Dublin Holiday World Show, (from left to right) Mr. John Coughlan, Mr. Michael Bunn, Mr. James Caffrey, Representative David Lee, Deputy Terence Flanagan, and Deputy Sean Ardagh pose for a photo.