Beijing to host 10th Global Travel & Tourism Summit

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced its agreement with the government of China to hold the 2010 Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Beijing from May 25-27.

“We are very pleased to host this event, which is such a landmark in the annual industry calendar,” said SHAO Qiwei, chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

“CNTA, The People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and Beijing Tourism Administration will play an active governmental role to fully support the 10th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, which is the foremost gathering of global travel and tourism leaders. We are confident that the summit will be an unforgettable experience for all delegates and for China,” stated LIU Jinping, vice chairman of the China Tourism Association and the Special Representative of CNTA Chairman SHAO Qiwei at World Travel Market.

According to WTTC’s 2009 economic research, travel and tourism in China accounts for 9.8 percent of China’s GDP, or Rmb2,993.7 billion (US$449.3 billion) and 7.8 percent of total employment in the country, or 60.8 million jobs.

Over the next ten years, China is also expected to be the fastest-growing economy in the world – in addition to being the leader in terms of travel and tourism growth – so it is an ideal location for an event as significant as the Global Travel & Tourism Summit and is expected to attract widespread interest.

“Our members are all delighted that we will be going to Beijing, capital of the world’s most dynamic travel and tourism economy and one of the most interesting and exciting new tourism destinations,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC president & CEO, on announcing the summit venue. The board was unanimous in its decision to select China.

“From a participant’s point of view as well, Beijing is an ideal location,” Baumgarten noted, “as China’s capital city is the major focal point for international tourists to China.”

“In these challenging economic times,” Baumgarten added, “it is more critical than ever for the public and private sectors to forge close partnerships so they can work together to ensure the longer-term prosperity of travel and tourism.

“Our partnership with the government of China will provide a much-needed platform for dialogue among leaders of industry and government, shaping the future of travel and tourism worldwide. And we are particularly appreciative of the efforts of the China National Tourist Office in London to facilitate our negotiations.”

For further information on the summit, please contact Anja Eckervogt, WTTC communications coordinator – tel: + 44 20 7481 8007, email: [email protected] , website: www.globaltraveltourism.com .