The China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) has increased by more than 50% since the last show in 2006. This international travel trade show is taking place at the China World Trade Center (CWTC) in Beijing from 14-16 May 2007 and has attracted over 200 exhibitors from 40 different countries across the world.

With 132 countries now having ADS status, the China outbound travel market represents huge opportunities for tourism regions and destinations, says Matt Thompson, Project Director for COTTM.

Tourist boards, travel agencies, tour operators, hotel groups and resorts, car rental companies and other tourism suppliers from all over the world are preparing to exhibit at COTTM this May. Some new destinations are on board this year and include: Armenia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Philippines, Iran, Jordan, Lithuania, Uganda and Tanzania, to name a few. Following the success of the 2006 show, many destinations are also returning to Beijing to exhibit. These include destinations in Europe, the Middle-East, Australasia and the USA.

Thompson added, We`re very excited to welcome these fantastic new destinations to COTTM and we`re delighted to provide this unique annual gathering of the Chinese and international travel trade all under one roof. Chinese tourists more than ever are travelling overseas and this is shown in the 10% increase in outbound visitors in 2006 so it`s a trend that is set to continue. As Asia`s largest outbound tourism market, China is definitely the place to be doing business for all those tourism destinations wishing to boost their activities in both the short and the long-term.

More than 2,500 professionals focusing on the Chinese outbound market are projected to attend this year`s event, including 400 hosted buyers from throughout mainland China. In addition, COTTM has partnered with the International Forum for Chinese Outbound Tourism (IFCOT), which serves as a highly valuable and informative educational platform.