Beijing to host 10th global travel, tourism summit

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced Monday that China will hold the 2010 Global Travel& Tourism Summit in Beijing.

The summit will take place in Beijing on May 25-27, 2010. "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," said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC president & CEO, while announcing the summit venue. The board was unanimous in its decision to select China.

"From a participant's point of view as well, Beijing is an ideal location. As China's capital city is the major focal point for international tourists to China." Baumgarten added.

"We are confident that the summit will be an unforgettable experience for all delegates and for China," said Liu Jinping, vice chairman of the China Tourism Association at World Travel Market.

According to WTTC's 2009 economic research, tourism industry in China accounts for 9.8 percent of its GDP, and 7.8 percent of the total employment in the country, or 60.8 million jobs.

Source: Xinhua