Beijing turns focus to business tourism

Organised by Reed Exhibitions (China), the two-day CBITM 2005 opens its doors on July 25 at the 5,000sqm China World Trade Centre and will host hotel chains and resorts, travel agencies, ground operators, venues, travel management companies and airlines. More than 3,000 visitors are expected to attend. "We are planning to have a session on Olympic opportunities on the opening day. CBITM 2005 will be a pioneering event in the fast-growing business and CEI travel sectors in China and Asia," said Reed spokesman, Totti Fu. Estimates show China spends US$5 billion on business travel alone. Accor China, travel management company BTI, Marriott, Qatar Tourism Authority, Maison de la France, Amadeus and Lufthansa Airlines will be among exhibitors. Keynote speakers include David Radcliff e , CEO of BTI and Greeley Koch, Association of Corporate Travel Executives president. CEI workshops and corporate travel management seminars are also planned. "This will be the only dedicated platform where you can meet the procurement manager from Bayer Healthcare China, the administrations manager from BEA Systems (China) and the administration manager fromLenovo Group," he said. A wide range of other corporate travel and events purchasing decision- makers will also be in attendance," said Fu.