Event Talk

IT & CM China 2014

There are more international destinations making their debut at this year’s IT&CM China and their participation comes with added significance as it is fronted by either their Convention Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) or National Tourism Organisations (NTOs). This surge in new support from official agencies of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), has in turn enabled more suppliers in those private sectors to gain inroads into China.

Sophia Cao, Country Manager – China, Abu Dhabi

Tourism & Culture Authority elaborated, “The China market is at the forefront of our plans, as we have everything we need to serve this exciting market. Our products and services are tailored specially for the Chinese travellers. For example, Mandarin and Cantonese tours are a big part of many hotels and attractions in Abu Dhabi.” The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is also keen to harness on the growth of the Chinese outbound market. “China is a primary market for Sri Lanka’s leisure and MICE tourism. We expect to receive at least 100,000 Chinese outbound travellers this year, a 50 per cent increase from 2013, based on the present enthusiasm that the market has for our destination,” said Vipula Wanigasekera, General Manager, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. Destinations like Japan, Macau and Taiwan fronted by Japan National Tourism Organisation ( JNTO), Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and MEET TAIWAN respectively, are returning to the show with renewed emphasis on China. Other new exhibiting companies include corporate brands such as the Oberoi Group, HG Travel, Compagnie du Ponant and Euromic.