China Appears as Lead Partner Country at 2026 UK ATAS Annual Conference
The 2026 annual conference of the UK's Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (ATAS) was held in Northampton, England, on 21-22 September 2026, with China appearing as the event's lead partner country. China's London Tourist Office used the Mid-Autumn Festival occasion to stage a "Shared Moon at the Same Time" culture-and-tourism programme, presenting Chinese culture and new opportunities in China's tourism development to nearly 500 UK travel-industry representatives. The office joined airlines and travel agencies in exhibition booths, explaining new China travel scenarios alongside the visa-free policy, and many UK tour operators said they would add China itineraries to next year's…
Impact and considerations
China's role as lead partner country at a major UK travel-supplier conference, combined with joint airline and agency promotion of visa-free China travel to UK tour operators, signals rebuilding distribution channels between the two markets and carries direct commercial relevance for companies handling inbound tourism…
Key points
- The 2026 ATAS annual conference took place in Northampton, England, on 21-22 September 2026, with China appearing as lead partner country.
- China's London Tourist Office staged the "Shared Moon at the Same Time" culture-and-tourism programme around the Mid-Autumn Festival, presenting Chinese culture and new tourism opportunities to nearly 500 UK travel-industry representatives.
- The opening featured dragon and lion dances and Chinese martial arts performances, while the venue was decorated with red lanterns, Mid-Autumn lanterns, a jade-rabbit moon scene and a large panda installation.
- Zhang Li, director of China's London Tourist Office, said in remarks that China is accelerating its development as a tourism power and that inbound facilitation and comprehensive services are being continuously improved.
- During the event the office joined airlines and travel agencies at exhibition booths, explaining new China travel scenarios alongside the visa-free policy.
- Many UK tour operators said they would include China itineraries in next year's promotion plans, and attending operators said the visa-free benefit has boosted confidence in industry cooperation.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- 中国旅游新闻网
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 22 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Page published
- 22 Sept 2026, 13:03
- Last updated
- 22 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Original links
- China Tourism News：“天涯共此时”系列文旅活动亮相2026ATAS年会-中国旅游新闻网Document (opens in a new tab)Primary source · zh · Published 22 Sept 2026, 08:00