Strengthening International Trade Links at Destination Britain China & Northeast Asia 2025

Photo credits: VisitBritain

Visit York has returned from a successful programme of activity at Destination Britain China & Northeast Asia 2025 in Chengdu. As part of VisitBritain’s flagship international trade mission, the event brought together around 90 influential buyers from China, Japan and South Korea, offering a high-value platform to promote York’s tourism offer to key long-haul markets.

Across the three-day programme, Visit York took part in a full schedule of 1–2–1 appointments, networking sessions, and market-insight briefings curated by VisitBritain’s in-market teams. These meetings enabled direct conversations with tour operators, wholesalers, OTAs and bespoke travel specialists, helping to showcase York’s attractions, experiences and accommodation to audiences well positioned to drive future inbound travel.

Visit York also delivered a dedicated seminar presentation, forming part of the event’s official destination programme. Designed to inspire and inform, the session highlighted York’s year-round visitor offer, accessibility, group-friendly assets and new experiences for international travellers. The presentation strengthened York’s visibility across both Chinese and Northeast Asian buyer groups and supported increased understanding of York as a must-include UK destination.

Alongside the workshop, Visit York attended a series of structured networking events including the Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner and Farewell Drinks. These opportunities provided valuable time to build new relationships, reconnect with existing partners and engage with fellow UK destinations participating in the trade mission. Pre-event, Visit York also supported industry-wide promotion by sharing VisitBritain and VisitEngland’s LinkedIn updates, helping raise the profile of the UK delegation.

By participating in Destination Britain China & Northeast Asia 2025, Visit York has reinforced the city’s presence in strategically important international markets and supported members with opportunities to grow future inbound travel. This work forms part of Make It York’s ongoing commitment to champion York on the global stage, strengthen trade partnerships and drive long-term economic growth for the city’s visitor economy.