The Guild of Travel and Tourism, Britain's prestigious membership organisation for companies and individuals in the travel industry, has announced the establishment of its first International Chapter in Hong Kong in March, 2010.

The announcement was made at a reception held in conjunction with Invest Hong Kong's UK office at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.

"The announcement that The Guild of Travel and Tourism will be opening its first international chapter in Hong Kong in 2010 is a tremendous step forward. As President of The Guild, I have been enthusiastic to support and foster their endeavors in the travel and tourism sector. Hong Kong is one of the great international business cities and its strategic location in the heart of Asia makes it the ideal location for The Guild of Travel and Tourism's first foray into the global arena. This new development heralds an exciting new era for Guild members, securing for them a dynamic and progressive future whilst retaining its roots in the UK." HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia - President of The Guild of Travel and Tourism.

At the Guild announcement event, a range of new benefits and services were announced to Guild members and guests including:

1. A presence for Guild members at key industry trade shows, e.g. WTM, ITB (Germany and Asia) ILTM, PATA etc, in the form of access to a regular Guild exhibition stand.

2. Themed events based on membership requirements which target and address specific commercial business interests, and which could include cross-border promotional opportunities.

3. Workshops and open days for purchasers and suppliers within the travel and hospitality industry sector, with a particular emphasis on technology, internet, banking and financial service providers.

The Guild was established in 1994 as a travel industry trade association open to membership from both individuals and corporates in the travel and tourism industry. It acts as a networking resource, as well as a high-powered lobbying force for the industry and has representation in both Britain's House of Commons and the House of Lords.

The new move to internationalise the Guild is spearheaded by International Business Development Director, Steven Ballantyne, who will be based in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong chapter of The Guild of Travel and Tourism will be launched in Hong Kong in March 2010 at an industry event.

Members are welcome from all aspects of the travel and tourism sector - including suppliers to the industry - and The Guild will also be addressing the specific business needs of specialised industry sectors such as the MICE, business and corporate travel markets.

"We aim to achieve these goals by working as one organisation rather than independent country chapters. Domestic and international members will be able to promote their businesses through the Guild including sponsorship of high profile trade events in the UK, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. The Guild will continue to encourage members to use it as a key business networking resource" said Steven Ballantyne.

"This heralds an exciting new era for The Guild, and I am delighted to be leading this move towards making The Guild a leading international voice for the travel industry," said Steven Ballantyne.