A CATHEDRAL took part of a trade delegation to China as part of efforts to target the Asian tourist market.

Representatives from Durham Cathedral, which last year attracted 700,000 visitors, took part in a VisitBritain trade mission, held over three days in China.

Head of marketing and events Ruth Robson said: “The number of tourists visiting the UK from the Far East has grown exponentially over recent years and this trade mission provided us with a huge opportunity to showcase what not only the cathedral, but the wider North-East region has to offer.

“The cathedral has always been one of the North-East’s most popular attractions and we believe the trade visit will really help us tap into the Chinese market and help cement the region’s reputation as a wonderful place to visit.”

The trip is part of a five-year marketing campaign aimed at positioning Durham and the North-East as a tourist destination for oversea visitors and was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, delivered by the Department for International Trade.

Last year, the cathedral attracted 700,000 visitors.

Julie Underwood, from the department of international trade, said: “Durham Cathedral is one of our region’s icons and we were delighted to welcome representatives from this amazing World Heritage Site on this important trade mission.”