Dublin Airport and Tourism Ireland unite at Routes Asia in Xi’an, China
April 13, 2026: Dublin Airport and Tourism Ireland are partnering at Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an to jointly promote Ireland as a world-class tourism and business destination. Together, the two organisations will engage with airline partners from across Asia and beyond to discuss new routes, new connections and new opportunities to grow sustainable air connectivity between Ireland and the region.
Routes Asia provides a key platform for Dublin Airport and Tourism Ireland to present a joined up aviation and destination proposition, combining air access, market demand and destination appeal. By working collaboratively, both organisations are bringing -demand led conversations to Xi’an, supported by strong tourism performance, a resilient economy and a shared ambition to deliver -longterm- connectivity growth.
As Ireland’s largest aviation hub, Dublin Airport plays a central role in supporting tourism growth, enabling international trade and attracting foreign direct investment. In 2025, the airport welcomed a record 36.4 million passengers, highlighting its position as a proven gateway for growth. Dublin Airport offers robust and growing demand across Asian markets, supported by a diverse mix of full-service, hybrid and -lowcost- carriers, a strong business base and a globally connected Irish diaspora.
The partnership with Tourism Ireland enables both organisations to present airlines with a clear and compelling case for new and expanded services. Dublin Airport works closely with airline partners to unlock commercial, operational and marketing opportunities, while Tourism Ireland brings deep market insight and global destination marketing expertise to support demand development.
Commenting on the partnership, Eoin McGloughlin, Vice President of Aviation Business Development at Dublin Airport, said that Routes Asia is a vital forum for connecting Ireland with fast growing markets across the region. He noted that by partnering with Tourism Ireland, Dublin Airport is presenting airlines with a strong, -evidence-based proposition, underpinned by tourism demand, economic resilience- and the airport’s proven ability to support growth.
Tourism Ireland’s attendance at Routes Asia 2026 is an important element of the organisation’s work to deliver on the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets & Partnerships, said: “Tourism Ireland is working hard to play our part in delivering on the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. Connecting the island of Ireland to the world is crucial for the future growth of overseas tourism. Working in partnership with Dublin Airport at Routes Asia 2026 allows us to showcase the island of Ireland as a superb leisure and business destination.”
At Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, Dublin Airport and Tourism Ireland are presenting airline partners with a single, compelling proposition: a proven gateway airport, a globally recognised destination brand and an outward facing economy ready to support new and expanded air services. Airline partners are invited to meet the Dublin Airport and Tourism Ireland teams at Stand HNS38 to discuss route opportunities, market trends and -longterm- partnership potential.