Bigger and better, Beijing International Tourism Expo 2014 celebrates another year of success

On June 27-29, 2014, the Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) was held for the 11th time, attracting over 985 exhibitors from 81 countries and regions, as well as 27 local provinces. With a gross exhibiting area of over 22,000 square meters, the three-day tourism fest showcased a diverse range of new travel products and services as well as unique and exotic destinations.

Attended by diplomats, government officials, exhibitors and other guests, BITE 2014 was kick-started with an official opening reception on Friday, providing a valuable opportunity for exhibitors and buyers to interact amongst themselves in a more casual setting. The opening ceremony was also graced by important national tourism representatives from various countries, including the Minister of Tourism of Israel, Mr Uzi Landau and Deputy Minister of tourism development of Yemen, Mr Omar Babelgheith.

Packed with more exciting activities, BITE 2014 saw a year of breakthroughs. Firstly, there was the addition of medical tourism, RV camping, luxury and customized travel in the domestic halls which were well received by visitors. Secondly, this year’s exhibition saw greater networking between trade professionals in the form of increased business to business transactions and on site sales. Thirdly, organizers of BITE took its exhibition services a notch higher by introducing a media area, an exhibitors and buyers lounge as well as a prayer room for its Muslim exhibitors. Fourthly, this year’s exhibition effectively combined the showcase of destinations and on-site selling. Between local and international buyers and exhibitors, business transactions reached more than 5.3 billion yuan. As for on-site sales, 33 travel agencies sold tourism products and travel packages to 100,000 visitors, more than 26,000 people placed travel reservations worth more than 63 million yuan.

Apart from the above highlights, the International Hall was highly vibrant and bustling with life. Countries such as Hawaii, South Korea, Russia, Yemen, Japan and Sri Lanka offered an interesting variety of entertainment and performances for visitors. These included traditional dances from Hawaii and Sri Lanka, henna tattoo artwork at the Yemen booth, makeover and photoshoot opportunities in traditional wear at the Japanese and Korean pavilions, as well models in ethic costumes of Russia, Thailand and Sri Lanka going around the hall to promote its destinations.
Apart from the interesting showcase, the International Hall @ BITE 2014 helped to serve as an ideal platform that facilitates international and regional travel collaborations through various activities. For example, “Buyers-meet-Sellers” sessions were organized on the eve of the exhibition’s official launch to provide a conducive environment for international exhibitors to engage in one-on-one discussions with local buyers. Local trade visitors were also issued “Discover the World” passports, where they redeemed special gifts upon their completion of their “journey” in the International Hall of visiting the various international booths. Destinations’ Presentation Sessions were also scheduled on the first two days of the expo to help international exhibitors promote their travel packages and destinations to all interested buyers. Participating exhibitors for the sessions included Tourism Authority of Thailand, Brand USA, Voglia d’Italia Tour s.r.l, Greek National Tourism Organization, JTB Communications, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Hawaiian Airlines and Moroccan Government Tourist Office.

To conclude BITE 2014 on a high note, a special awards ceremony was held on the last day of the three-day event to celebrate yet another year of success as well as to recognize the efforts of exhibitors in showcasing their countries and destinations. The awards included “Most Organized Booth”, “Best Exhibition Booth”, “Best Designed Booth”, “Most Creative Booth”, “Most Popular Booth” and “Best Product Sales Booth”.

Partnering with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, BITE 2014 proved itself again as a delightfully staged presentation of domestic and international travel products and destinations. A unique platform for international players to propel themselves into China’s lucrative outbound tourism market, the BITE series will continue to be a place where strong travel business partnerships among international exhibitors, local trade buyers and industry stakeholders are formed.

BITE 2015 will be held in June 2015 at China National Convention Centre. For more information, please visit www.bitechina.com.cn. For exhibition enquiries, please contact [email protected].