09/04/2005

New Delhi, India; London, UK - 9 April 2005 - WTTC has announced a new project, in cooperation with the Chamber of Tourism, All-China Federation of Industry Commerce (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. This project is one of the initiatives for cooperation between WTTC and TCC.

At the outset, this project will update WTTC's 2003 Report on the Impact of Travel & Tourism on Jobs and the Economy in China and China Hong Kong SAR. As the research programme expands and broadens, it will be tailored to "hot topics" such as employment and Human Resources, Security, Sustainable Development, Tax, Crisis Communications and Infrastructure. Extending the research to the regional level will provide WTTC and TCC with additional policy recommendations that can be customized to the unique environmental, cultural and social circumstances of each region or province.

The research will be sponsored and directed by a Steering Committee that will play a vital role in guiding the direction of the research. WTTC is expanding its solicitation of Steering Committee Members from the 2003 team to now include China, Hong Kong and Macau based organizations that are seeking to contribute to the national/regional discussion of issues impacting their businesses.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President WTTC said of the plan of action: "Through cooperation with the Chamber of Tourism Commerce we aim to bring WTTC's policy recommendations and message closer to the core of Travel & Tourism in China and Chinese regions. With the support of our Members and China Steering Committee we will inform government and business decisions and empower Travel & Tourism stakeholders in China. Our TSA forecast for 2005 serves to reinforce the vast potential that lies in China, with 10.1 per cent growth predicted in 2005, and this reminds us how this must be properly harnessed so as to make industry progress sustainable."

Madame Wang Ping, Chairman, Chamber of Tourism Commerce (TCC), All-China Federation of Industry Commerce spoke of the partnership: "The nationwide reach of the Chamber of Tourism Commerce and our mission to aid tourist companies and improve the service provided whilst integrating all facets of the industry within China strikes a chord with the objectives of WTTC and what can be achieved through this joint project."

About the Chamber of Tourism, All-China Federation of Industry Commerce

The Chamber of Tourism (TCC) is a nationwide organization in the People's Republic of China (covering the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions) initiated and formed by the private tourist sector comprising airlines, chain hotels, famous tourist spots, souvenir factories and large travel agencies. It was founded on 27 December 2002 in Beijing. TCC is an affiliate of the All-China Federation of Industry Commerce.
TCC's mission is to build a network of nationwide non-state-owned tourism and related companies for the improvement and further development of the Travel and Tourism industry in the China, through the integration of tourism resources around the country.

About WTTC

WTCC is a membership organization representing the leaders of the global Travel & Tourism industry.
WTTC is a forum for global business leaders comprising presidents, chairs and CEOs of 100 of the world's foremost companies. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide.
WTTC's mission is to raise awareness of the full economic impact of Travel & Tourism, the world's largest generator of wealth and employment, which accounts for 200 million jobs and over 10 per cent of global GDP. Governments are encouraged to unlock the industry's potential by adopting policy framework for sustainable tourism development.

Contact

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