Texas to Attract Chinese Visitors
LONDON, UK, January 17, 2006. Texas Tourism, the official tourism organisation for the state of Texas, has signed up to take part in BITTM, the Beijing International Travel and Tourism Market, taking place April 3-5, 2006. BITTM offers international tourism organisations the chance meet Chinese travel professionals with a view to creating partnerships and international alliances. It is the only dedicated outbound travel event for the fastest growing travel market in the world - China.
China is the most exciting and promising new travel market in the world. Travel and tourism is still a relatively young industry, but it has become one of the most powerful and dynamic parts of the Chinese economy in the past few years - with the total revenue of China's tourism industry reaching $67.3 billion in 2002, and accounting for 5.44% of the GDP. Outbound departures from China have been growing by more than 25% each year, reaching 20.22 million in 2003. The market is predicted to grow to 100 million departures in 2020.
Texas - famous for vast cattle ranches and oil booms - boasts 267,000 square miles of wide-open spaces, vibrant cities, over 900 golf courses and an abundance of natural wonders, including scenic canyons, dense forests, mysterious caverns, and undisturbed beaches. With so much to see, Texas is sure to become a prime destination for the Chinese outbound tourist industry and by exhibiting at BITTM, Texas will ensure that Chinese trade are fully aware of what the Lone Star State has to offer.
Julie Chase, Director of Tourism, Texas Tourism, said, "China is an important emerging market for Texas Tourism. We are excited by the opportunity to meet outbound Chinese travel professionals at BITTM and market Texas."
Karen Taylor, BITTM Project Director, said, "I am delighted to welcome Texas Tourism as an exhibitor at BITTM this April. The Chinese outbound travel market has limitless potential, and I have no doubt that Texas will find their presence at the show to be hugely beneficial."
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