Hunan promoted in China-UK cultural tourism event held in Bristol

Representatives of China's Hunan Province were in England on Monday, November 25 for a two-day event to promote the region's stunning landscapes and its historic and cultural associations.

The travel industry reception, Hunan Culture and Tourism Conference, was hosted on Bristol-based SS Great Britain.

The Right Honorable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councilor Jos Clark, began the event by welcoming Yu Xinrong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Hunan Culture and Tourism Department, who then described Hunan’s unique culture, its scenery and distinctive regional cuisine.

Shelley Nania, Head of International Affairs for Bristol City Council and John Hirst, CEO of Destination Bristol, has outlined Bristol’s partnership with Hunan Province and how it was focusing on the integration of culture and tourism and the development of inbound and outbound markets to the mutual advantage of both destinations.

John Hirst then introduced a surprise VIP guest speaker, Andrew Stokes, Director England at Visit Britain who is currently leading on the delivery of the £40 million ‘Discover England Fund’ and the promotion of English regional tourist destinations, such as Bristol.

This event ended with traditional Chinese entertainments, canapés and drinks.

Tuesday, November 26, saw the grand launch of the Splendid Hunan photo exhibition at Colston Hall, featuring large-format prints of the landscapes and folk customs of the province. Traditional artists displayed a range of unique Hunanese crafts, including embroidery, wood-block printing and Flower Brick tea.

The two-day schedule concluded at Bristol Marriott Royal in a cultural exchange featuring delicious food from both China and the UK, with a traditional Hunanese dish prepared live.

With China set to become the world’s most visited country by 2030, travel agents and tour operators from across the UK were able to learn more about the region's incredible offerings, ensuring they can keep their products up to date with the growing demand for this incredible province.