2014 WTTC Global Summit to be held in Hainan

Press Conference for 2014 WTTC Global Summit is jointly held by WTTC, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the People’s Government of Hainan on Oct 25 in Beijing.[Photo/People's Daily Online]

2014 WTTC Global Summit will take place in South China’s Hainan in April 2014 under the theme of “Changing World, New Perspectives”, said David Scowsill, President & CEO of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) at a press conference jointly held by WTTC, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the People’s Government of Hainan on Oct 25 in Beijing.

The fact that World Travel & Tourism Council chose Hainan as the venue of the 2014 WTTC Global Summit not only highlights the important role China is playing in the tourism development of the world, but also actively influences the opening up and tourism development of Hainan.

Holding the 2014 WTTC Global Summit is significant to Hainan as it is one of the working measures to improve the International Tourism Island, further open up the tourism industry, and expedite the formation of a tourism industry system which will boost the development of the tourism industry, said He Xiqin, the Vice-Governor of Hainan Province.

Situated at the southernmost tip of China, Hainan is famous for its excellent natural environment, beautiful tropical island scenery, multitude of tourism products and great resort facilities. It is also well known as an island for health, living, and tourism in China. At the end of 2009, the State Council upgraded the construction of Hainan International Tourism Island to a national strategy.

Directed by these strategies, Hainan has made great achievements in developing its economy and society within the past three years. The average annual GDP growth is over 12.3 percent; the average annual growth of public revenue is over 31 percent, and the average annual income growth is 15 percent. The tourism industry plays a leading role in the modern service industry which is growing rapidly. The reception of overnight visitors has increased from 22.5 million in 2009 to 33.2 million in 2012, representing an average annual growth rate of 13.8 percent. Hainan’s total tourism revenue increased from 21.1 billion yuan in 2009 to 37.9 billion yuan in 2012, with an average annual increase of 21.4 percent.

In the first three quarters of this year, the reception of overnight reaches 25.3 million, the average annual growth is 10.6 percent, the total revenue reaches 26.7 billion. At present, a complete tourism industry system has been formed in Hainan, which includes 3,100 hotels, over 360 travel agencies, 41 A-level scenic spots and 400,000 employees. Hainan's tourism products have a distinctive and unique style.

The Global Summit is the world's highest profile meeting for the Travel & Tourism industry. Up to 1,000 company leaders, tourism ministers from across the globe and representatives of international broadcast networks and press have attended this Summit which is celebrated annually.