In April, London Gatwick collaborated with VisitBritain, Guanxi - a China specialist PR agency - and local tourism agencies to host a select delegation of Chinese tour operators on an immersive seven-day trip showcasing the best of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.
This trip is an essential part of the airport's ongoing strategy to enhance connections between China and South East England, with the aim of raising awareness and enhancing appreciation of the region's distinctive attractions, ultimately encouraging tourism from high-spending Chinese visitors. This initiative aims to fuel both economic development and cultural exchange between the two regions.
The delegation comprised nine senior product managers from prominent Chinese tour operators, including CYTS Tours, China Bamboo Garden International, 6renyou, Henan I-Travel, HCG, Shanghai Eastern Air International, and Shanghai Bravo Tour.
Emma Colyer, Trade and Tourism Business Development Manager, London Gatwick said: "It was fantastic to welcome this group, some of whom had never visited the UK. We're dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between cultures and are excited about the potential for future collaborations.”
The itinerary provided the delegation with an opportunity to experience the region’s history, and gastronomic highlights, alongside interactions with local artisans, historians, and conservationists.
The group began by visiting Hever Castle in Kent, where they enjoyed a private tour, followed by a forest bathing experience. They then stayed overnight in Leeds Castle, greeted with traditional British hospitality by footmen upon arrival.
Continuing their journey, they explored East Sussex, meeting the traditional Town Crier of Rye and venturing to the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters with the guidance of local experts at Brighton & Beyond Tours.
In Brighton, they immersed themselves in the city’s thriving food and drink scene, and toured the Royal Pavilion.
The itinerary further extended with visits to Arundel Castle and RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, along with a stay at the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club.
Helena Beard, Managing Director, Guanxi said: “Chinese visitors are looking for authentic experiences, which is what the South East, with its blend of heritage, countryside and coastal charm, offers so effortlessly.
“By curating bespoke experiences that resonate with the preferences of Chinese travellers, we can create lasting impressions and forge enduring connections.”
A dedicated part of the itinerary highlighted the ease of connectivity between London Gatwick and central London, with delegates impressed by the speed of processing through the airport and ability to reach central London in just 30 minutes via the Gatwick Express.
New routes: connecting the south east to China
This summer, London Gatwick will introduce ten additional weekly flights to China, thanks to new routes by leading airlines Air China and China Southern. Commencing from June 1st, Air China will operate daily flights to Beijing Capital Airport on A330-300 aircraft. Shortly after, on June 20th, China Southern will begin flying three times per week to Guangzhou using Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
These additions will complement existing services to Shanghai (China Eastern and Air China) and Zhengzhou (China Southern). In total, from mid-June, Gatwick will offer passengers 33 weekly flights to China, reinforcing its commitment to advancing international connections.
Economic impact and tourism potential
The impact of these new routes extends beyond aviation. In 2023, the UK’s exports to China surged by 11.9%, reaching an impressive £37.5 billion. These flights are expected to stimulate the local tourism industry, with Chinese visitors having spent an average of £1,937 per visit to the UK, totalling £1.71 billion in 2019, as reported by VisitBritain. London Gatwick is currently applying to bring its Northern Runway into routine use. If plans are successful, the airport will be able to host an increase of long-haul routes providing a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism, and new jobs.
London Gatwick joins Sussex Six campaign
London Gatwick has officially joined Natural Partnerships CIC’s Sussex Six campaign, pledging to increase local produce on shelves and menus across the airport.
The first four new products – a range of Ridgeview wines – are now available for passengers to purchase from World Duty Free stores.
The vineyard, located near Burgess Hill in Mid Sussex, already supplies wine in London Gatwick’s restaurant and bar, Vagabond, and South Downs – a premium sparkling wine bar - with the new retail offering now enabling passengers to try before they buy – and fly.
The Sussex Six team also brought a range of local produce – including from Horsham – to present to the airport’s restaurants and retailers.
London Gatwick will add further locally-produced food and drink to its vast array of restaurants, bars and retail outlets over coming months.
Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to join this exciting campaign to support the local Sussex economy, by adding more local food and drink producers to our supply chain at London Gatwick.
“It’s important to us at the airport to support the Sussex community, and we are delighted to help our passengers discover the wonderful local produce that is grown and made across the region.”
The Sussex Six Campaign is organised by Natural Partnerships CIC with support from Horsham District Council and the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Over 50 local shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes have signed up committing to take on six or more local products.
The premium South Downs Bar opened in London Gatwick’s South Terminal in June 2023 to showcase local produce, while the airport already stocks Sussex food and drink including Nyetimber wine in its World Duty Free stores.
Cllr Ruth Fletcher, Horsham District Council said: “We are thrilled London Gatwick has agreed to join the Sussex Campaign, providing a fantastic opportunity for local food and drink producers to reach the huge audience passing through the airport.
“This is the start of a fantastic partnership which will allow us to showcase the superb range of Sussex food and drink we produce to an international audience.”
Mardi Roberts, Director of Communications, Ridgeview said: “London Gatwick is Sussex’s gateway to the world. They have been incredibility supportive of Sussex Wine Tourism and champions for our visitor economy. We are thrilled that Ridgeview sparkling wine will now be available for holiday makers to take on their celebration travels and spread the word about the quality of our Sussex produce.”
Details of supporting businesses can be found on the Sussex Six pages of sussexfoodanddrink.org - the online directory for Sussex produce. Businesses wishing to join the campaign can also sign up on the website.
