China International Travel Market

Kunming, Yunnan, China,

19-22 November 2009

The most established travel exhibition running since 1998, China International Travel Mart is organised by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). Held on alternate years in Shanghai and Kunming each November about one week after WTM, it is regarded as the largest and most important fair in China.

Though it focuses on domestic and inbound tourism, outbound travel makes up about 1/4th of the total space of around 46,000 square meters. After the SARS epidemic of 2003, Kunming CITM failed to attract many buyers and the organisers did a poor job at providing adequate infrastructure and planning. Shanghai 2004 at the new Pudong International Convention centre was much better although buyer attendance was disappointing. In 2005 there were almost 700 international stands representing 81 countries. Kunming’s new exhibition halls mirror those in Beijing though they seem too massive for the city.

In 2006 and 2007, the exhibition continued to grow in size but still lacked professional management leading to complaints of thefts and loss of marketing collateral. The 2008 fair was held again in Shanghai.

Presence at CITM is important as this is the main official international travel expo in China. Maintaining good relations with CNTA (China National Tourism Administration) and local tourism boards is important for national tourism boards and multinational companies.