Attendees pose for a group photo during the 2026 Global Tour Operators Conference in Wuxi. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The 2026 Global Tour Operators Conference was held in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, from April 16 to 22, drawing over 400 international tour operators and cultural tourism experts from 22 countries and regions.
The conference unveiled new policies for inbound tourism, facilitated connections for inbound travel products and explored innovative cultural and tourism services. Together, participants discussed strategies to attract more international tourists to Wuxi, aiming to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the city.
International attendees were particularly captivated by Wuxi. "The gardens, canals, and intangible cultural heritage here are unique and full of Eastern poetic charm, making it a dream destination for high-end European travelers," said Florence de Coucy, general manager of a French luxury travel and events company.
Jo Tae-suk, president of the Seoul Tourism Association, expressed similar enthusiasm, noting that Wuxi's cuisine, ancient towns, and Zen lifestyle are highly appealing to South Korean tourists. Plans are underway to expedite visitor exchanges to help more South Koreans discover the watery charm of Jiangsu.
Beyond policy incentives, Jiangsu has excelled in enhancing its services. International visitors can enjoy instant internet connectivity upon arrival, comprehensive multilingual services, and hassle-free shopping with immediate tax refunds and shipping options. Wuxi's Liangxi district has established the nation's first international express convenience service point, enabling global tourists to "travel in Jiangsu, buy Jiangsu products, and ship worldwide" and offering a seamless, hands-free travel experience.
Currently, China is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. Situated in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta and home to world-class cultural and tourism treasures, Jiangsu has become a stunning gateway for international visitors to explore and understand China.
In the first quarter, Jiangsu welcomed 727,100 inbound overnight visitors, generating $1.047 billion in foreign exchange revenue.
As the main venue of the conference, Wuxi boasts breathtaking natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The city's inbound tourism is thriving, with the number of inbound overnight visitors increasing by 16.7 percent year-on-year as of March this year, and tourism foreign exchange revenue up by 16.3 percent, reflecting robust growth.
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