London 13 September 2007: ChinaContact, a leading consultancy on China market access for the tourism sector, has launched the first ever global survey of the travel industry’s readiness for Chinese tourists. This survey will provide a snapshot of what travel organisations have been or are intending to do to prepare for the growth in tourism coming from China. The data is valuable for destinations to assess the market and for travel companies to understand the trends and realise where investment is needed.

Tourism from China is growing at 14% this year, with forecasts for strong growth until 2020. Recent media reports of an imminent tourism deal between China and the US are prompting renewed urgency to prepare for Chinese visitors. Competition for Chinese tourists is becoming fierce with 92 destinations now approved for marketing travel in China and further 40 that have signed bilateral tourism agreements. Traditionally popular destinations for Chinese visitors will have to fight harder to keep the trade while new destinations must create convincing marketing campaigns to attract this new market. The Chinese tourism market is typified as high spending and trend following.

For those seeking more information about the Chinese tourism market, the World Travel Market in London is hosting the second annual China outbound tourism forum titled ‘China - the Future of Travel‘ on 14th November 2007. The results of the survey will be announced during the event which will feature prominent speakers on Chinese tourism and present case studies and practical advice for market access.

International travel professionals are encouraged to participate in the survey. As an incentive, ChinaContact are offering a free copy of their China Outbound Travel Handbook (the basic guide for understanding this market) upon completion of the survey.

Click here to complete the survey online

• For more information about the WTM-ChinaContact forum visit http://www.future-of-travel.org
• To read updates and news about the Chinese tourism industry, visit http://www.chinacontacttourism.ning.com

About ChinaContact:
China market entry specialist for the tourism, events and exhibitions industries. they specialise in consultation, brokering deals, representation and practical business services for destinations, FIT, Corporate and Incentive travel. Managing Director Roy Graff speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and spent three years in China developing travel business for a leading multinational travel service provider.

PDF: press release Global survey on tourism industry readiness for Chinese outbound tourism

WTM Conference to Unlock ‘Mystery’ of Future Top Market and Destination

China the Future of Travel press announcement (PDF version)

Despite the fact that China offers huge profits from travel products and a searing rate of unprecedented development, few companies have conquered the market.

The World Travel Market ChinaContact forum - the only one of its kind outside of China - aims to help businesses cash in on what will be the largest source market and top tourist destination by 2020.

The one-day conference, China – the Future of Travel in 2007 will be held at ExCeL London during World Travel Market on Wednesday 14 November. The initiative is supported by the World Travel & Tourism Council, VisitBritain, Visit London, the China-Britain Business Council and UKinbound.

“Since 1999, China has embarked on phenomenal growth domestically and internationally”, said Fiona Jeffery, World Travel Market’s Managing Director.

“Over the next 12 years this is expected to remain stable at more than 10%, opening up a completely new and exciting market.

“But because of communication difficulties, the cultural gap as well as restrictive legal and financial policies in China, the response from the international industry has been disappointing and the challenges remain untapped.

“But the importance of the Chinese market will be strengthened even more with the Olympics in 2008.

“It is for this reason that for the second year running World Travel Market is linking up with ChinaContact, the market entry specialists who have the expertise and experience to really change the situation.”

The conference programme is being produced by Roy Graff, Managing Director of ChinaContact. He said:” We are organising a series of forums and interactive workshops throughout the day to help delegates learn effective communications and understand how to navigate the legal and financial obstacles that may be in the way.

“As the world’s attention turns firmly to focus on China, no travel organisation can afford to miss this rare opportunity for real knowledge and networking with Chinese travel professionals.

“ChinaContact’s access to Chinese travel trade and travel media, government officials and leading expert speakers is unparalleled in Europe. The 2007 event will be highly focused with in-depth analysis.”

The forum will include an assessment on recent changes in China’s tourism industry, new trends, policies and major players. The day will also examine the link between sports and tourism and the opportunities for western travel companies in the light of China’s Olympic dreams and the growing interest in sport. Experts will also take an in depth look at the Chinese inbound and outbound markets. Already confirmed speakers include:

· Roy Graff, ChinaContact Managing Director

· Professor Wolfgang Arlt, Director of the China Outbound Tourism Research Project

· Serge Dive, Director of the Asia Luxury Travel Market (Shanghai - July 2007)

· Jacquie Craig of Bicester Village, the top retail destination for Chinese tourists

· Dr. Kevin Lin, interpreter to Tony Blair and expert on Chinese culture and communication

· Sandie Dawe, Director of Strategy and Communications, VisitBritain

· Olivier Dombey, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific, Pegasus Solutions

· Chad Lion-Cachet, CEO of Sportsworld

All delegates will also be offered a free one-hour online introduction workshop on the Chinese travel industry prior to the event.

Last year, more than 150 delegates from the UK, North Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe and China attended the conference, representing tourist boards, hotels companies, tourist attractions, tour operators and travel associations

 Delegate pass: £338.00 (discount group rates available)

Early Bird: £288.00 (until 1 October)

Super early bird: £238.00 (until 31st July)

Networking lunch: £35.00

Sponsorship packages from £600

Log on to the event website: http://www.future-of-travel.org for further information.

Delegates can register at http://future-of-travel.eventbrite.com/

About ChinaContact

China market entry specialist and consultancy on China’s tourism sector. ChinaContact advise tourism boards, tour operators and hotel chains, produce training programs and educational events. Founder Roy Graff spent the past five years intimately involved in China tourism business development, investment and marketing.

The China Travel Industry Blog now holds 18 months’ worth of China tourism news and analysis and is the first port of call for anyone interested in this area.

http://www.future-of-travel.org/news

China the Future of Travel press announcement (PDF version)