GTI China Expo 2026 draws 600 exhibitors and 120,000 visitors in Guangzhou

The 2026 GTI China Expo closed in Guangzhou, China, according to the Italian trade outlet Jamma. The event ran from 10 to 12 September at Area A of the China Import and Export Fair Complex.

The organiser reported 120,000 visitors in total, almost 600 exhibitors from around the world and professional operators from more than 100 countries and regions. The exhibition covered 80,000 square metres of floor space and included more than 200 companies taking part for the first time.

According to the organisers, the figures confirm strengthening confidence in the international amusement sector and mark a shift from a recovery phase to a new growth cycle. The organisers said the 2026 edition highlighted technological innovation, integration of digital and physical experiences, development of intellectual property, convergence between industrial sectors and growing internationalisation of companies.

Exhibits included solutions based on virtual, augmented and mixed reality, robotic applications, amusement equipment, digital products for cultural tourism and innovations for sport and interactive entertainment. Intelligent robots used to accompany and assist visitors and quadruped robots used in interactive demonstrations were among the technology attractions.

It was reported that the organisers set out five main trends for the event: integration of tourism and culture, convergence of digital and physical, development of intellectual property, industrial upgrading and strengthening of international connections. Some exhibitors also ran live streaming broadcasts from their stands during the three days, allowing an online audience to follow the products presented.

Professional buyers came from more than 100 countries and regions across six continents. They included representatives of Japanese companies, South Korean organisations, Middle East entertainment groups, South-east Asian chain operators, companies working on expansion projects in South Asia and European and American technology suppliers, according to the report.

The organisers said the international participation reflected a change in the quality of demand, with a growing number of operators interested in complete technology solutions, investment projects and structured commercial collaborations. Many buyers attended with specific sourcing needs, investment programmes and operational requests, the organisers said.

According to the organisers, the internationalisation of the Chinese amusement sector no longer concerns only the export of machinery and equipment, with companies progressively expanding their presence in foreign markets through brands, integrated systems, technology standards and management expertise. The organisers said GTI China Expo aims to consolidate its role as a B2B commercial platform between manufacturers, distributors, investors and international operators, and that buyer requests show greater attention to return on investment, completeness of solutions, technology integration and the ability to develop content and intellectual property.

The organisers have announced the dates of the next edition. The 19th GTI China Expo will run from 10 to 12 September 2027, again at Area A of the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou.