TI News: An information service from Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (OTTI)

February 02, 2009

WEBINAR: China's Outbound Travel Market: Important Developments
for U.S. Operators & Destinations

Presented by U.S. Department of Commerce
In cooperation with National Tour Association & U.S. Travel Association

DETAILS:

Wednesday, February 18, 2009
8:00 pm - 9:15 pm Eastern Standard Time
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Pacific Standard Time
[China time: February 19, 9:00 am]

Fee: $50

WHY CHINA?

• Over 500,000 PRC/Hong Kong residents visited the US during 2007
• Over 350,000 from the PRC alone, up 24% over 2006, up 59% from 2000, and up 90% since 1997, making the PRC the 3rd fastest growth market for arrivals to the United.
• In 2008, China will become the fourth largest arrival market within Asia for the USA and the only top Asian market to post double-digit growth.
• Great progress has been made in visa and tourism policy over the past few years greatly decreasing visa issues and security obstacles for travel as well as the US China Tourism MOU

To see the 2007 profile on the Chinese inbound travelers to the USA, go to: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/2007_China_Market_Profile.pdf

WEBINAR TOPICS & PRESENTERS:

Market Overview: market briefing, visitor statistics, traveler preferences, booking methods, cultural concerns/differences
- Kevin Chambers, Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate, Shanghai

Market Entry & China Traveler Preferences: best practices on working with Chinese travel industry, building exposure/awareness in the market, timelines for travel promotion, and more. Hear from a leading China-US tour operator. (Speaker to be confirmed)

China Program Update: discussing the MOU between the U.S. and China as well as the status of China outbound leisure/National Tour Association Inbound Program.
- Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (OTTI), U.S. Department of Commerce
- National Tour Association

Visa Update: Update on Visa situation for Chinese travelers
- Consular Visa Officer, American Consulate General, Shanghai

Q&A Session: Raise your interests directly with the speakers. To submit a question in advance of the webinar to ensure that speakers address your concern/s, please send to: kellie.holloway@mail.doc.gov.

REGISTRATION & INFORMATION:

Register now by going to: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q48

Cost: ($50): Upon payment you will receive an email notification with webinar access information.

To learn more about OTTI, go to: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/
To learn more about the CS China Office go to: http://export.gov/eac/intl_staff_list.asp?CPostName=156
To learn more about the Commercial Service, go to: http://www.export.gov/
To learn more about the NTA China program, go to: http://www.ntaonline.com/members/resources/china-inbound-program/

If you have questions, please contact either Tony Michalski at 909.466.4137 or tony.michalski@mail.doc.gov or Kellie Holloway at 503.326.3002, kellie.holloway@mail.doc.gov.