Those attending the The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Beijing from May 25 to 27 will have the chance to experience one of the world’s ‘most interesting and exciting new tourism destinations’. The board of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) was unanimous in its decision to select the Chinese capital as host for this year’s summit with CEO and president Jean-Claude Baumgarten stating: “Our Members are all delighted that we will be going to Beijing, capital of the world’s most dynamic travel and tourism economy and one of the most interesting and exciting new tourism destinations.” And Liu Jinping, vice chairman of the China Tourism Association, said: “China National Tourism Administration, The People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and Beijing Tourism Administration will play an active governmental role to fully support the summit which is the foremost gathering of global travel and tourism leaders. We are confident that the Summit will be an unforgettable experience for all delegates and for China.” According to WTTC’s 2009 economic research, travel and tourism in China accounts for 9.8 per cent of the country’s GDP, or $449.3 billion, and 7.8 per cent of total employment, 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 and tourism growth – so it is an ideal location for the event. “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 and tourism worldwide,” said Baumgarten.
