British travel firms are visiting China this week in a bid to tap the growing Chinese market.

The China Mission, led by VisitBritain, includes representatives from 32 companies including British Airways, Harrods and St Pauls Cathedral.The aim is to introduce British tourism businesses to key Chinese buyers.The China Mission will take in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, with a series of business to business appointments.

The average Chinese visitor to Britain spends around £1,700 – which is more than three times the global average of £567.

The UK saw visitors from China increase by 23% last year and by a further 23% in the first nine months of this year.

Forecasts suggest that by 2020 Britain could be welcoming almost 300,000 visitors a year.

VisitBritain's strategy and communication director, Patricia Yates said: "This will be the largest ever delegation of British tourism businesses to journey to China, an indication of how important the market is to Britain as we reach a crucial time for tourism."