BITTM 2006 Opens in China

The second edition of the Beijing International Travel and Tourism Market (BITTM) opened with a diverse range of exhibitors and Chinese buyers, all eager to get down to business. Even while the opening ceremony was still in progress, dozens of buyers and exhibitors were huddled in meetings, poring over rate sheets, product lineups and brochures.

Special guests at BITTM include a strong lineup of Chinese and international tourism leaders, who will participate in seminars and workshops with both buyers and exhibitors over the next few days. BITTM is a unique gathering place for strategically savvy businesses to connect with each other to buy and sell travel for the massive Chinese outbound market.

Unlike other shows in China, BITTM is strictly business-to-business, strictly outbound travel. From Florida, South Africa and Brunei to Tunisia, Texas and Bulgaria, there is a diverse range of destinations and products for Chinese buyers to choose from. This year cruise lines are testing the waters, with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and MSC all exhibiting for the first time in China.

The Jamaica Tourism Board has launched their Chinese website and since last year´s inaugural BITTM, due to huge demand, Jamaica has opened an embassy in Beijing to expedite the visa process for Chinese travelers. The floodgates are open; the Chinese are coming in the tens of millions to a town near you.