His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
President of the United Republic of Tanzania

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, was named Honorary Global Chair of the 2nd World Tourism Marketing Summit(WTMS), which will take place in Beijing, China, October 28-30, 2007. The announcement was made by Sujit Chowdhury, Secretary General, of the Canada-based World Trade University(WTU), organizer of the Summit. The Summit, hosted by the Beijing Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, will bring together more than 400 travel and tourism industry leaders from around the globe.

“My selection as Honorary Global Chair, as an African leader, reflects the strong and growing trade and economic ties between Africa and China, and the vast untapped potential that China represents. Travel and Tourism is the World’s largest Industry and is critical to sustainable economic development and the generation of productive employment. For this reason, the Summit is very timely,” stated H.E. President Kikwete.

Mr. Chowdhury, in making the announcement, said “H.E. Kikwete will bring to the Summit the dynamic and outstanding leadership that he has already demonstrated in Tanzania with his ability to attract major international investment. This is reflected in that Country’s dramatic growth and development path, especially in the booming tourism sector. We are looking forward to President Kikwete inspiring delegates to use this converging platform to create new joint venture opportunities.”

Following the huge success of the historic First World Tourism Marketing Summit held in November, 2004, in Nanjing, China, the 2nd WTMS will bring together approximately 400 leading tourism executives, marketing experts and top operational managers from over 50 countries, as well as from over 150 major cities of 30 provinces in China. The Summit will provide an opportunity to network, explore joint ventures and learn from the brightest how to develop strategies to enhance cooperation between the international business community and one of the world’s largest tourist markets.

The Nanjing Summit was attended by a Tanzania delegation led by Mr. Salmon Odunga, the former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Others included Mr. A.C.Macha of Tanzania Tourist Board, E.Clause and S Leilo of NCAA and Mr. Vuai Mohsmed of Zanzibar Tourism.