A DELEGATION of Chinese travel organisations have visited some of the Lake District’s most popular attractions.

As part of an initiative pioneered by The Lake District China Forum, Chinese tourism agents were escorted by Mountain Goat Tours to see Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, the Grasmere Gingerbread shop and Brockhole, with a lunch stop at The Wild Boar.

Chinese tour operators also visited Grizedale and Hawkshead’s Fitzwilliam Gallery and Hill Top, before experiencing a cruise on a historic steamer with Windermere Lake Cruises and taking a steam train journey on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

Established in 2015, the Lake District China Forum has 10 members, including Windermere Lake Cruises and English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues.

Jennifer Cormack from Windermere Lake Cruises, chairman of Lake District China Forum, said: “This was another valuable opportunity for us to showcase to the Chinese market everything we have to offer here in the Lake District and introduce new products and services.

“As the number of Chinese visitors to the Lake District continues to rise, it follows that we need to tailor our offer to meet their expectations.”

Colin Fox, from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues and the forum’s marketing director, said: “The forum’s work is designed to enhance the exposure of the Lake District and continue to maximise the potential of the ever-increasing number of inbound Chinese visitors to the UK.

“Listening to their requirements and showing off the range and quality of what the area offers helps elevate awareness within the Chinese tourism industry as well as positioning the Lake District as a top, must-visit destination for Chinese tourists coming to the UK.”