By 2020, China will be the world’s number one tourism destination and the fourth largest outbound tourist market. As the global economy continues its recovery, it is clear that a paradigm shift is underway. China’s annual tourism growth is expected to surpass 10 per cent over the next 10 years, with business and government tourism consumption growing by 11 per cent.

The theme of this year’s IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) China, ‘Bridging the Global MICE Business’, aptly reflects China’s important role as a catalyst and emerging platform for international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions).

Scheduled to be held from 7 to 9 April at the ShanghaiMart Expo, IT&CM China 2010 has confirmed the participation of more Chinese buyers and sellers this year, including many first-time participants. They include trade associations, such as the China Condiment Industry Association, Human Resources Association for Foreign and Chinese Enterprises, Beijing, National Architecture Institute of China, and the Macao Convention & Exhibition Association. These reputable bodies have chosen to source for services at IT&CM China 2010 to complement their meetings and conventions programme.

Also attending for the first time is D&S Media Group - Beijing D&S Consulting Co., Ltd, one of the top 10 Chinese PR agencies with branches in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. Its professional service team has nearly 300 people in public relations, advertising, events, online marketing and sports marketing areas. Wu Fan, who will attend as a hosted buyer said, “We organise over 30 incentive trips and activities to both local and international destinations every year. I look forward to sourcing for new and innovative deals at IT&CM China 2010. This will add value to our planning.”

More than 300 international and Chinese buyers are expected to attend, with Chinese buyers hailing from 13 cities across China, representing a mix of corporate companies, travel agents and trade associations.

IT&CM China has also won over the local and international National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), which translate to a larger participation at this upcoming fourth edition. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, commented, “It is gratifying to see more active participation from both the international and Chinese exhibitors. The total number of sellers has increased this year to 250 companies and organisations, up 19 per cent from last year. It is evident that IT&CM China has become the platform of choice for generating new business leads and providing educational and networking opportunities in China.”

IT&CM China 2010 will offer a series of fresh and exciting business, networking and learning opportunities for an expected 2,000 participants. Apart from business meetings, social functions and special events, the programme will include a pre-show city tour of host city Shanghai, an opening ceremony and welcome dinner and hosted networking luncheons throughout the three-day event.

Hangzhou to debut as ‘Presenting City’

As the first ‘Presenting City’ for IT&CM China 2010, Hangzhou will play host to international buyers and media as they tour the city after the tradeshow. The post-show tour will showcase the historic beauty of Hangzhou and its latest offerings as a modern cosmopolitan city. Besides the post-show tours, Hangzhou Tourism Commission have also committed to a larger participation of over 90 sqm of exhibiting space on the show floor and will co-sponsor the Opening Ceremony & Welcome Dinner for IT&CM China 2010.

Li Hong, Chairman of Hangzhou Tourism Commission said, “IT&CM China provides a good opportunity to demonstrate the city’s conference and incentive travel capabilities, create the image of Hangzhou as the top destination for conference and incentive travel, and to drive the development of the local tourism industry.“

IT&CM China is supported by STTA (Shanghai Tourism Trade Association), SCEIA (Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association), IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers), PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association), ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association), SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives) China and SITE Hong Kong Chapter. Visit www.itcmchina.com for more information.

ORGANISERS

About TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd

TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd is the region’s leading travel and tourism business information and access provider, with a wide range of media products including publications, exhibitions, database management and the Internet. It is also a leading organiser and event manager of travel tradeshows in Asia, including IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia), CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, ITS (International Travel Show) Thailand 2004 and 2005, Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) Plus 2005 and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 1998, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2010. It also publishes four titles targeted at distinct sectors of the travel trade: TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice China. For more information on TTG Asia Media, visit www.ttgasiamedia.com

About MP International

The MP International (MPI) group of companies specialises in organising exhibitions, conferences and special events for various industries and interest groups. Established in 1987 by PICO, the group has organised and managed some 300 national, regional and international events. Headquartered in Singapore, it has established overseas offices in Shanghai and Dubai. It has been appointed to handle ITMA 2011, a mega textile machinery show spanning 100,000sqm nett, in Barcelona, Spain. For more information on MP International, visit www.mpinetwork.com