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.