The China International Tourism Expo 2024, organised by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, kicked off in Shanghai on Friday with exhibitors from more than 80 countries and regions.

More than 1,000 international exhibitors and 600 travel agencies attended the three-day event, with more than 600 meetings between buyers and sellers, according to the organisers.

The event will be held on an exhibition area of 53,000 square metres and will cover various areas including local and international cultures and tourism, tourism-related technologies, cultural creative products and tourism services.

Foreign travel agencies are expected to use the fair to conduct market research and explore new tourism programmes in various provinces and cities in China, the organisers said.

As part of its efforts to boost international tourism, China earlier announced a visa-free policy for citizens of 29 countries, including France and Germany.