As China continues to establish itself as the world's new major global economic power, the country is demonstrating a very assertive stance in the development of its industries, travel and tourism included. Chinese outbound tourism peaked to an incredible 700% increase compared with the data of 10 years ago.

The economic boom has provided the Chinese with higher disposable income; better diplomatic relations and relaxed travel regulations have given the Chinese more opportunities to travel to many foreign destinations. According to the World Tourism Organisation, by the end of year 2007 there will be nearly 37.5 million of Chinese tourists to travel abroad, a remarkable 17% increase since year 2006, and it is set to reach a staggering 100 million per year by 2020. This current growth rate of outbound Chinese tourists has now outpaced the average world travel.

With over 130 countries now granted the Approved Destination Status (a bilateral tourism agreement between the Chinese government and foreign destinations permitting to receive Chinese tourists travelling on leisure) China is seen to be continuously working on extending the status to other countries - early November talks in Charlotte, N.C. USA, between Chinese tourism officials and U.S. state tourism directors, are a good example of that.

As more countries are seeking opportunities to attract the flow of Chinese tourists, COTTM provides a focused platform for international travel professionals to set up business with Chinese outbound tour operators. For the past three years COTTM has been the prime business hub for tourist boards, travel agencies, hotel groups, spa resorts, car rental companies and other tourism suppliers from across the world to enter this lucrative market.

The only 100% business-to-business event dedicated to outbound travel and tourism in China, COTTM has seen a 50% growth in exhibitors and countries represented since its inception in 2005. With over 2000 trade visitors coming from various regions of China who seek to maximize their business potential with international exhibitors, COTTM is recognized as a premier event of its kind.

COTTM 2008 is once again gearing up for a successful event and this time the show is promised to be the biggest compared to its previous editions. COTTM 2008 is already demonstrating a 30% growth in the number of exhibiting countries, including new participants, such as Australia, Madagascar, Spain, Zambia, Kazakhstan among many.

COTTM 2008 will have a unique hosted-buyer programme, which ensures exhibitors meet high level decision makers within the Chinese outbound travel industry. The event continues to bring to China the know-how for organising a high standard international event and in 2008 among many other features will introduce a specially designed new appointment system, which enables exhibitors to attract the most relevant Chinese buyers to their stands.

COTTM 2008 show will open its doors at China World Trade Centre, Beijing, between 14 and 16 April 2008.