THE Lake District looks set to become a must-see destination for more than 20,000 Chinese visitors following successful discussions with a booming Oriental city.

Government officials from the district of Nanshan, Shenzhen, in South China, invited key figures from Cumbria's culture and tourism sector to establish an economic and cultural partnership on a four day trip earlier this month.

The upshot of the visit was that Kendal Mountain Film Festival will take place in three locations in the Chinese region during October, rising to six locations in 2016 - a move that will boost Kendal's chances of twinning with the region in the coming months.

It is hoped that exposing Kendal to such a large, foreign market will result in increased tourism and help to spread the Lake District's brand across the world.

The visit to Nanshan was attended by Kendal Mayor, Chris Hogg, Chief Executive of the National Park, Richard Leafe and director of Kendal Mountain Film Festival, Steve Scott.

As well as intense discussions with their hosts, the three visitors also experienced what Nanshan had to offer by sampling the local delicacies, jogging through the city and even climbing one of the region's highest mountains.

Richard Leafe said: "Our international visitor economy is already strong, but the exposure that the Lake District will gain from the Kendal Mountain Festival tour in China will attract a broader mix of visitors.

"This, together with the bid for World Heritage status in 2016, has the potential to firmly establish the Lake District as an outdoor activities destination on a global stage."

Steve Scott, director of the Kendal Mountain Festival, said: “We are delighted at the agreement with our new partners in China, fully supported by the regional government and the opportunity this gives Kendal Mountain Events. Having a base in southern China will enable us to quickly develop ‘KMF China’ and subsequently  access broader Asian markets to inspire other cultures to share the best that KMF international has to offer.”

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Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Chris Hogg said: “I'm delighted that one of Kendal's most successful brands, Kendal Mountain Festival, continues to spread around the world putting Kendal on the global map. I wish the organisers in Nanshan every success and look forward to exploring the potential of furthering relationships in the future.”