China Travel Forum

[Omar]

Italy has take a major step forward to take advantage of the rapid growth in Chinese outbound travel, by co-organizing “The Year of Italy in China,” a series of cultural, educational and scientific events, taking place in cities across China in 2006. The aim of the project is to encourage closer co-operation between the two countries and promote Italy as a key destination to Chinese outbound travellers.

Most important tourism partner
At a press conference last week Piergiorgio Togni, General Manager of the Italian Tourist Board, highlighted the rapid growth expected from Chinese tourists to Italy, saying “China will be Italy’s most important tourism partner in the future.”

As a result:
- 20 additional visa staff members have been added to Italy’s embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai and Guanzhou.
- Chinese staff are being made available at hotels and as tour guides
- Chinese signs will be posted in airports

To make the most of the unique opportunities in China this year, Italian tour operators are joining their international counterparts at BITTM, the Beijing International Travel & Tourism Market, taking place 3-5 April 2006 in Beijing. BITTM is the only business-to-business event focusing exclusively on the Chinese outbound travel and tourism sectors.

Facts from the 2005 event:
120 exhibitors from 31 countries
1,800 marketing leads taken onsite
87% of exhibitors achieved sales and marketing objectives
80% of exhibitors stated that visitor quality met or surpassed their expectations

Last year alone there were 31 million international departures from China.
Previous exhibitor Dario Sala from S.T.M.srl is enthusiastic about the show. "We recognise BITTM as a unique opportunity to create a better understanding and appreciation of the offerings available in our company to the buyers of Chinese travel product."