China to become major convention-holding country: expert

Email|Print|Comments       twitter     facebook     Sina Microblog     reddit    

SHANGHAI, Nov. 3 -- China will become a major player in hosting international conventions and meetings in a few years thanks to its increasing opening up and internationalization, an industry expert said on Sunday.

Arnaldo Nardone, president of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), said China's opening up and internationalization have brought important opportunities for the development of the international convention industry.

Nardone made the remarks at the 52nd ICCA Congress that opened in Shanghai on Sunday.

ICCA chief executive officer Martin Sirk said China has a large group of potential convention partakers as well as superb cities and facilities for the holding of conventions.

Sirk said many Chinese cities are experienced in hosting large-scale international conventions, and the hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou has dramatically boosted the country's infrastructure as well as software for conventions and tourism.

Convention has developed into a major business of China's tourism industry, said Du Yili, deputy director of China National Tourism Administration, noting that more than 6 million foreigners came to China for business meetings and conventions in 2012.

Sirk said many ICCA members have showed interests in China and hoped to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China through the ICCA congress.

The ICCA congress, held for the first in China's mainland, will conclude on Wednesday.

• Reform roadmap before key meeting
• Chinese shares rise on upbeat growth data
• China's economy transforming but challenges remain: U.S. expert
• Survey shows increased optimism about China's economy
• Nobel laureates pinpoint new engines for Chinese growth
• Coordinated, balanced policies bear fruit: analysts
• Hedge fund titan says China's economy bottomed out
• China's sustained growth to bring more positive spillover for world economy
• China's economy stabilizing amid slowing emerging markets
• Business confidence 'buoying growth'

We Recommend

• Annual airshow kicks off in Houston
• U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group stages military exercises
• Volkswagen showcases new energy vehicles in Beijing
• How should we get married nowadays?
• Commentary:
  Stop Phubbing
• Jakie Chan sees Rubber Duck off in Beijing
• Lingerie show dazzles Wuhan Motor Show 2013
• Running in fun customs at Beijing Int'l Marathon
• Weekly Sports Photos