2008 CITM---China International Travel Mart (CITM), the largest travel exhibition in Asia has been successfully held at Shanghai New International Exhibition Center from 20th Nov to 23rd Nov 2008.

CITM aimed at both travel trade and consumers, provided exhibitors the opportunity of multiple business talks and negotiations with international buyers, travel agents in China as well as promoting their destinations and travel products and services to large number of Chinese consumers too. CITM2008 took up exhibition area of 57,500sqm, increasing 21% over the last show, included 4112 exhibitors, 2420 of them were from China, while 1692 of them were from overseas.

China Business Network(CBN) was again invited to attend and was there to support many foreign tourism promotion authorities and companies in the travel and tourism industry. World Travel Online was the media partner to support and cover the whole exhibition again.

Opening with a Spectacular Ceremony

The Opening Gala Dinner in the evening of November 19th, welcomed many VIP guests and hosted buyers totaling over 1,400 delegates, which kicked off the CITM 2008. Mr. Shao Qiwei – chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and director of CITM 2008 Organising Committee, said “China would meet the current challenges to tourism by strengthening international cooperation and encourage mutual tourist traffic and streamlining administrative procedures. ”

Mr. Shao Qiwei - Chairman of CNTA, addressed VIP and invited guests on the Opening Ceremony & Welcoming Reception.	In mirroring the Beijing Olympic Opening ceremony, CITM Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception also had breath taking performances.

The Travel Mart was Bustling with Travel Professional from China and Abroad

As the biggest travel fair in China and indeed in Asia, CITM 2008 attracted more than 90,000 visitors during the 4 days including many travel trade processionals and keen Chinese travelers.

As usual, China Business Network gave a big support to Chinese outbound industry to many foreign clients during the CITM, e.g. AQP Specialized Peruvian Tour Operator, Cameroon Ministry of Tourism, Central Africa republic, Ethiopian Airline, Ghana Starline Travel and Tours Limited, Guinea Ministry of Tourism Board and National Tourist Office, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Authority, Mozambique Welcome Travel & Tourism, Niger Ministry of Tourism, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, Tanzania Tourism Board, Togo Ministry of Tourism, Voyager Zambia, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Zambia Mulungushi Village, Zambia Tourism Board, Zambia Wildlife Authority, etc.

Delegation of senior officials from Tanzania taking photo at the entrance to the CITM.	Africa has dedicated area at CITM 2008 with eye catching booths representing over 20 destinations.

Attractively decorated stands of China Business Network (CBN) and World Travel Online (WTO) displayed brochures of foreign clients too.	CBN and World Travel Online stands are busy with Chinese tour operators and visitors also interested in our clients services.