A VIP delegation of the highest tourism officials and travel trade professionals in China experienced English country house style as guests this week at exclusive Ettington Park, near Stratford upon Avon, part of the Hand Picked Hotels
collection.The aim of the high profile visit was to assess the initial impact of the ADS (Approved Destination Status) agreement, which came into effect in July 2005, enabling groups of Chinese tourists to visit the UK. Before the agreement, visitors from China to the UK were restricted to people studying in the UK or visiting on business.

The Chinese delegation, who also visited the attractions of Stratford upon Avon and the surrounding area, was led by the Honorary Chairman of the China Tourism Association, Mr He Guangwei. Mr He was the Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) until March this year and the ADS agreement with the UK was signed under his Chairmanship.
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