The resounding sucess of the first WTM Vision Conference Shanghai proved the vision of the World Travel Market of recognising China as having the fastest growing travel and tourism industry.  In announcing the event Chairman of World Travel Market Ms. Fiona Jeffery said: “The industry has shown a great demand for mid-year information, research, analysis, and opinion to help shape business strategies.” WTM Vision Shanghai focused on China both inbound and outbound markets. It attracted over 160 senior tourism officials ambassadors, consul generals of many countries as well as senior decision makers of Chinese tour operators and corporate travel organisers from around China with speakers and panellists representing the most authoritative institutions and the most respected travel companies both in China and world wide.
 

 

Dr. Adam Wu, COO of CBN Travel & MICE opened the conference and was the moderator throughout in both Chinese and English	The conference attracted over 160 delegates including Ambassadors and Consul Generals, senior tourism officials, and senior travel professionals from China and other parts of the world

Mr. Simon Press, the Exhibition Director of WTM, officiated at the opening and welcome speech followed by Mr. Wu Jianguo, Deputy Chairman of Shanghai Tourism Administration. In the first session Mr. Ray Li from Euromonitor International China analysed the overview of global travel Industry and predicted Chinese tourists will spend 36 billion on shopping in overseas in 2012. Vice President and Head of Global Partner & Corporate Marketing of Global Blue, Mr. Manelik Sfez shared topic of shopping while traveling and experience of tax free shopping. 

 

After the initial sessions of relevant presentations the conference entered the climax with the panel discussion on the Chinese inbound and outbound markets. The panellists seemed to be carefully chosen and well balanced to represent two foreign travel companies succeeding in China and two distinctive Chinese travel companies again representing not only the all powerful Jin-jiang group but also well established though less known regional China Travel Service from An-hui province which has well established inbound attractions but also developing outbound travel successfully. 

The panellists shared their experience in both inbound and outbound travel to and from China. They also answered questions from international audience on how to attract Chinese visitors as well as promoting foreign destinations in China. General Manager of MIKI Travel Ms. Cecelia Zhou commented “a smooth visa application process is vital for Chinese travellers when deciding their next overseas holiday destination”. Executive President of Jin-Jiang International Travel Mr. Ge Wanjun added “Chinese people tend to leave booking their holiday until the very last minute so visa application processes need to be made quick, easy and accessible”.

Other factors destinations need to consider when trying to attract this increasing market is the "joint exercise from both the private and public sectors" CEO of TUI Travel China, Mr. Marcel Schneider commented. "There is a need to be willing to invest money, HR and time to develop the destination in order to meet the Chinese market’s expectations," Schneider added.

President and General Manager of Anhui China Travel Service Ms. Li Guoqing explained: “Chinese tourists really need to be educated on outbound destinations, what is there to do? What is there to eat? Where is there to stay? In order to attract a high numbers of Chinese tourists.” 
 

Mr. Simon Press, the Exhibitions Director World Travel Market made the closing remark at  WTM Vision Conference – Shanghai, saying: "WTM Vision Conference Shanghai offered a fascinating insight to the Chinese tourism industry. We learnt that Chinese tourists are in high demand due to their high in resort spending patterns and delegates heard the secrets to attracting high numbers of visitors from China”.

"The event, in association with China Business Network, is a great addition to the Vision portfolio, following on from similarly highly successful events in Moscow, London and Dubai”  Simon concluded and welcomed delegates to participate or visit the WTM 2012 on November 5-8 2012.

 

Related News in Chinese: 首届WTM上海远景会议汇集旅业高层观点 中国旅游市场重要性凸显

Related link: Special Topics on WTM Vision Conference Shanghai