A new initiative for improved European and Chinese relations in the tourism sector has been launched with the support of VisitBritain, Visit London, CBBC, WTTC, UKinbound and the Chinese tourism authorities. ‘China…
A new initiative for improved European and Chinese relations in the tourism sector has been launched with the support of VisitBritain, Visit London, CBBC, WTTC, UKinbound and the Chinese tourism authorities. ‘China – the Future of Travel’ is the first pan-industry conference on bi-lateral tourism relations between China and Europe. With backing from tourism boards as well as government and tourism trade organisations, it will focus attention on the importance of developing strong bilateral tourism relations with China.
The conference will take place in London in conjunction with World Travel Market this November. With the attention of the world now turned to China, the organisers will bring China`s tourism officials, travel professionals and media to London to share experiences and network with their European counterparts. The conference will host expert, engaging speakers from Europe and China to talk about practical topics that are of concern to the industry. The focus on bi-lateralism – inbound and outbound travel, a key principle in Chinese business practice, makes this conference unique among China related events.
A large Chinese delegation will be attending the conference, looking to learn from Europe`s experience in tourism, meet business partners and look at Europe`s inbound investment opportunities. High respected speakers, presenters and panellists on the topic will address these issues among others:
- Why is bi-lateral tourism development critical in reference to doing business in China?
- How will growing Chinese leisure tourism (ADS and non-ADS) affect the European tourism sector? What is the future of Chinese business tourism, FIT, meetings, senior citizen travel, families etc.?
- What exciting investment opportunities are available in China in the coming decade in the sphere of tourism? How to take advantage of them?
- What are the changes that technology brings to China`s tourism sector (aviation & ticketing, GDS, hotel systems and online reservations)?
- What new products and un-chartered destinations can China offer the European leisure and business traveller?
- Meet representatives of the major international tourism exhibitions in China and find out which is best suited to your needs. Learn about the best way to conduct marketing and sales activities in China.
- How can China maintain its current economic development pace and still operate a sustainable tourism industry?
After spending three years in China developing outbound tourism business for a large multinational company and taking part in many travel related events on China, Roy Graff returned to Europe with a simple mission: make life easier for European tourism organisations who want to connect with Chinese partners to develop bi-lateral tourism relations.
Roy started ChinaContact in 2005 as a way of bridging the very real communication and cultural gap between Chinese and Western tourism companies and organisations. “Having learned first hand the intricacies of the Chinese tourism industry and the ways of doing business in China” he says. “I realised that many Western destinations and travel companies could have a much easier and cheaper way of entering this market. What is often missing is the local knowledge and established personal contacts from key industry players.”
Roy has been helping individual tourism boards, hotels, tour operators and travel technology companies develop their China strategy and prepare for Chinese tourists. “Succeeding in China takes time and commitment to the market in the long term. It is about building trust and showing respect to your Chinese partners as well as learning who to trust there. There are no quick fixes. However the most important thing is to engage the other side as much as possible and start building personal relationships. This conference will provide an invaluable insight for those in Europe that are still not sure about their China strategy, while helping those that started on this market to make better connections and acquaint their staff with Chinese culture without the cost of a trip to China.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
