The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced its agreement with the Government of China to hold the 2010 Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Beijing from 25-27 May.

  
Launch of the 10th Global Travel & Tourism           Mr LIU Jinping, Vice Chairman of The China
Summit, to be held from 25-27 May                          Tourism Association and the Special
           2010 in Beijing, China                                Representative of CNTA Chairman greets
                                                                               Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO,
                                                                               WTTC at the event

“We are very pleased to host this event, which is such a landmark in the annual industry calendar,” said Shao Qiwei, Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

“CNTA, The People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and Beijing Tourism Administration will play an active governmental role to fully support the10th Global Travel & Tourism Summit which is the foremost gathering of global Travel & Tourism leaders. We are confident that the Summit will be an unforgettable experience for all delegates and for China.” stated LIU Jinping, Vice Chairman of the China Tourism Association and the Special Representative of CNTA Chairman Shao Qiwei at World Travel Market.

  
Ms CHEN Qixian Director of China National                 Ufi Ibrahim, COO, WTTC welcomes the 
     Tourist Office for UK, Ireland & Nordic                          guests at the Launch of the Beijing 2010
Countries addresses the audience at                            Summit during World Travel Market
the launch of the Beijing 2010 Summit                                                                                 

According to WTTC’s 2009 economic research, Travel & Tourism in China accounts for 9.8% of China's GDP, or Rmb2,993.7 billion (US$449.3 billion), and 7.8% of total employment in the country, or 60.8 million jobs.

Over the next ten years, China is also expected to be the fastest growing economy in the world – in addition to being the leader in terms of Travel & Tourism growth – so it is an ideal location for an event as significant as the Global Travel & Tourism Summit, and is expected to attract widespread interest.

  
      Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO,        Presentation by Mr LIU Jinping, Vice Chairman
   WTTC addresses the guests at the Launch        of The China Tourism Association and the 
                of the Beijing 2010 Summit                   Special Representative of CNTA Chairman at  
                                                                             the CNTO stand at World Travel Market

“Our Members are all delighted that we will be going to Beijing, capital of the world's most dynamic Travel & Tourism economy and one of the most interesting and exciting new tourism destinations,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President & CEO, on announcing the Summit venue. The Board was unanimous in its decision to select China.

“From a participant's point of view as well, Beijing is an ideal location,” Baumgarten noted,”as China's capital city is the major focal point for international tourists to China.”

  
   Launch of the 10th Global Travel &                  From left: Ufi Ibrahim, COO, WTTC;
     Tourism Summit, to be held from 25-27      LIU Jinping, Vice Chairman of The China 
           May 2010 in Beijing, China                   Tourism Association and the Special 
                                                                        Representative of CNTA Chairman;  
                                                                        Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President &
                                                                         CEO, WTTC; and CHEN Qixian Director
                                                                         of China National Tourist Office fo
                                                                         UK, Ireland & Nordic Countries

“In these challenging economic times,” Baumgarten added, “it is more critical than ever for the public and private sectors to forge close partnerships so they can work together to ensure the longer-term prosperity of Travel & Tourism.”

“Our partnership with the Government of China will provide a much needed platform for dialogue among leaders of industry and government, shaping the future of Travel & Tourism worldwide. And we are particularly appreciative of the efforts of the China National Tourist Office in London to facilitate our negotiations.”