Following the opening of its markets to the outside world and its entry into mainstream economic and political circles such as the World Trade Organization, China has the potential to become one of the world's great tourism economies - in terms of inbound, domestic and outbound travel.

WTTC Members recognize this huge potential and in 2003 the Council presented a detailed report on Travel & Tourism in China and Hong Kong SAR to the People's Government of China and the China National Tourism Administration. Since the launch of this first report, WTTC has continued its presence in China and is concentrating its efforts on working for public private synergies. The growth in Travel & Tourism in China has been exponential so it was agreed that a follow-up report should be made, including Macau SAR and this was delivered in April 2006.

Events

WTTC was the Lead Global Patron for the first World Tourism Marketing Summit which was organized in cooperation with the People's Government of Nanjing and the World Trade University Global Secretariat. The Summit brought together some 350 CEOs, marketing executives and public sector figures from over 50 countries worldwide. The delegates participated in workshops and plenary sessions over the course of the two and a half day programme examining all aspects of marketing in the context of Travel & Tourism, both as destination and product. It was announced at the closing dinner that the 2nd World Tourism Marketing Summit will take place in Beijing in autumn 2007 and WTTC is delighted to affirm its continued support and patronage of this event.

WTTC events in China

WTTC International Conference on HR of China Travel & Tourism Industry, Shanghai, 16 January 2008

Launch of China Report 2006, Beijing & Shanghai, 12 April 2006

Research

The direction of WTTC's research in China is being focused on regional, provincial and city level research. News of exactly where the next project will take place will be made public shortly.

Members

WTTC's presence in China is further expanding as Hong Kong and Macau based Pansy Ho, Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings Ltd joined WTTC as a global Member in June 2005.