16/06/2005

London, UK - 16 June 2005 - Following several years of high visibility research, industry events and awareness building of Travel & Tourism's economic contribution in China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome two Chinese Members to the Council.

The new Members are Hong Kong and Macau based:

Ms Pansy Ho
Managing Director
Shun Tak Holdings Ltd

and Beijing based:

Mr DUAN Qiang, Chairman
Mr MEI Yunxin, President
Beijing Tourism Group

The Council's new Chinese Members signal the growing support for WTTC's extensive agenda of economic research and policy activities in China and continuing efforts to translate the potential for growth into long-term industry development and job creation.

Most recently, WTTC has signed a cooperative agreement with the Chamber of Tourism Commerce in China (TCC), to update and extend its recent groundbreaking Country Report for China and Hong Kong SAR. The focus of the new project will include China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and several other Chinese regions selected for an in-depth study of the regional impact of Travel & Tourism as well as deeper analysis of national and regional policy issues, which are limiting the growth of Travel & Tourism in China.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of WTTC said, "After several years of effort by WTTC to build awareness of Travel & Tourism's potential in China, we are witnessing the awaking of the local industry and key industry leaders who are committed to help China build its industry and achieve its economic objectives. I am proud to welcome Shun Tak Holdings and the Beijing Tourism Group to WTTC and believe this is just the beginning of our growing list of Members based in China."

About Shun Tak Holdings Ltd:

Established in 1972, Shun Tak Holdings Limited is a leading Hong Kong based conglomerate with core businesses in the transportation, hospitality and property sectors. The Group's origin dates back to 1961 when its shipping division was inaugurated. A successful merger in 1999 has made the Group the only operator of 24-hour ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau, and the owner of one of the largest fleets of high-speed passenger ferries in Asia, allowing the Group to provide passengers with fast, comfortable and reliable service between Hong Kong, Macau and major cities in the growing network of Pearl River Delta destinations.

Being a prominent player in the Hong Kong and Macau property markets, Shun Tak Group holds interest in various major commercials, residential and retail property ventures. The Group also provides quality property management services for over 10 million square feet of properties in Hong Kong and Macau

Shun Tak Group was a pioneer in top-tier hotel services in Macau through its investments in Mandarin Oriental Macau and Westin Resort in Macau. To further expand its hospitality arm especially in the Mainland market, the Group has established sales offices in Macau and major Mainland cities including Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen to promote its travel and hospitality-related products, and to provide hotel reservation and travel services.

About Beijing Tourism Group (BTG):

BTG is a large group founded in early 1998 with the approval of the people's government of Beijing municipality and authorized to run and manage State-owned assets, which deals in tourism as the main operation and simultaneously in hotels, travel services, road transport, shopping, dining, conference and exhibition services and entertainment business. The group currently owns total assets exceeding RMB?20 billion and ranks among China's top tourism businesses in terms of total assets, financial strength and business results.
ENDS

About The World Travel & Tourism Council

The WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies as its members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.

WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world's largest industries, employing c. 200 million people and generating over 10 per cent of world GDP.

Contact

For more information please contact us at enquiries@wttc.org.