eTN, 10-25-2006
Upmarket travel, eco-tourism and cultural tours are part of growing trend of travel to ChinaLondon, UK - Oct 24, 2006 With increasing exposure of China in international media due to high profile events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 World Expo, travelling to China is no longer restricted to standard itineraries visiting Beijing,Xian,Shanghai. In the past, most tourists have not ventured further afield due to concerns of infrastrucutre, language and food. large state owned tour operators have provided a standard product to all tourists. This is now changing, and the WTM-ChinaContact conference on bilateral tourism relations with China 'China...the future of Travel' will bring together experts to show how travel is shifting into niche products and theme travel, led by pioneering local initiatives combined with the experience of international tour companies. From independent travel off the beaten track to luxury cruising, from culinary trips to extreme sports - China has it all. Getting the word out was always the challenge, as well as ensuring a consistent quality and good service. The conference at WTM (6th November 2006) features speakers who have went beyond the standard travel experience to offer something unique. They will share their experience with the delegates and discuss China's future as the number one tourist destination in the world. Expert speakers on tourism to China Torstein Hagen, CEO of Viking River Cruises, has experienced the growth in demand for upmarket travel in China from the West. He will be talking to the conference about the challenges of marketing China and maintaining high standards at all times. Albert Ng, CEO of Wild China will explain how off the beaten track tourism can flourish in China. Mark Eadie of ERM China will talk about the great challenges of protecting natural and cultural heritage while using tourism to benefit rural areas. Peter Wong, chairman of MK Corporation has built eco resorts throughout China that maintain the balance between human development and environmental protection. Also featured are Ray Hole and David Anderson who will share their experience of working with Chinese counterparts to enhance heritage tourism, visitor experience and attraction management. Harold Goodwin and Costas Christ, leading figures in the field of responsible tourism, will be discussing the need to develop tourism both within China and between China and the rest of the world, in a responsible and sustainable manner. Tourism officials from China's tourism boards will also address the conference and take questions about their work to attract more European visitors. They include the chairman of the Tourism Administration of Guangzhou municipality, officials from Shanghai and other destinations in China.
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