Leading Chinese Inbound Wholesaler to debut at Arabian Travel Market 2007

The semi-government-owned Top China Travel (TCT), one of China’s leading B2B inbound travel wholesalers, will make its Middle East exhibition debut at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2007 this May to seize a share of outbound tourism from the region which it forecasts will rise by 20% this year.

“Middle East tourists are highly sought after worldwide due to their higher spending capacity, larger group size as well as average length of stay. We expect tourism from the region to China to really take off as people are increasingly becoming aware of the various attractions the country has to offer,” said Xiaoping Cheng, Sales Director, TCT.

TCT is planning to launch luxury travel packages at ATM 2007 and is confident of a positive response. “We believe regional visitors will enjoy China’s rich and diverse experiences,” added Cheng.

“China has a 5000-year old culture, historical places, breath-taking natural scenery and of course the internationally renowned cuisine that includes Cantonese, Shanghainese, Peking, Szechuan and Hunan.”

Two other Chinese tour operators, Beijing Top View Holiday Travel Service and IslamChina Tours, will also be at the ATM, which will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 1 - 4.

China’s increased ATM presence comes as air links between the Middle East and the People’s Republic grow. Already served by Emirates and Qatar Airways, Middle East-China air links have been given a boost with news that state carrier China Southern Airlines is starting a new service from Dubai to the southern city of Guangzhou to add to its existing thrice-weekly Dubai-Beijing service. The carrier also says it is actively looking at adding Jeddah to its growing route network.

“One of the enduring successes of ATM is its ability to bring new opportunities to the inbound and outbound markets and the inclusion of first-time exhibitors, such as TCT assists us in this aim,” said Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director – Overseas Events, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organises the show. “So far, 61 first-time exhibitors have signed up for the show, that includes destination management companies, Asian and European travel technology specialists, African and Asian health resorts and spas as well as travel and tour operators.”

“Croatia, Macau and Taiwan are three first-time destinations that will be represented while participants from Peru will debut alongside TCT ensuring representation from all five continents.”

To date, exhibitors from 53 countries are confirmed for ATM, including 51 national and regional pavilions.

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