2026 Global Tour Operators Conference kicks off in east China

The 2026 Global Tour Operators Conference kicked off in Wuxi City, east China's Jiangsu Province on Friday, highlighting efforts to improve the quality of inbound tourism through a range of policies, measures, and products.

The conference attracted more than 400 participants, including international travel agents, overseas influencers, heads of cultural and tourism organizations, and leading industry experts from 22 countries. During the event, a series of strategic partnerships and project agreements were signed, leading in more than 20 major project collaborations.

Jiangsu boasts a rich cultural heritage, scenic waterways, and convenient transportation links, making it an appealing destination for international tourists. In recent years, the province has capitalized on the national visa-free policy by rolling out a series of incentive measures.

"In 2025, Jiangsu welcomed 4.26 million inbound visitors, a year-on-year increase of over 40 percent, with total spending reaching 34 billion yuan, up 23 percent from the previous year," said Li Chuan, deputy director of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

2026 Global Tour Operators Conference kicks off in east China

The 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has seen more than 300 new product launch events by Sunday, the last day of the first phase of the event.

The fair, which opened Wednesday in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, set new records for exhibition area, the number of booths, and the number of participating companies.

Focusing on "Advanced Manufacturing," the first phase of the fair attracted over 5,900 high-tech exhibitors, companies that apply specialized, sophisticated techniques to produce unique, novel products.

The second phase of the fair will run from April 23 to 27 under the theme "Quality Home Life," showcasing the latest developments in green building materials, smart housewares, and creative living solutions.

The Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou. Established in 1957, it is the longest-running of several comprehensive international trade events in China, and has been hailed as the barometer of China's foreign trade.

First phase of 139th Canton Fair features over 300 new product launch events