The move to launch a Mandarin Chinese website comes ahead of the release of the updated report, on the Impact of Travel & Tourism on Jobs and the Economy in China and China Hong Kong SAR which is due to take place in February 2006.

The original report, released in October 2003, was accompanied by a Mandarin Chinese version. Since then, WTTC has welcomed two more Chinese members, Beijing Tourism Group and Shun Tak Holdings Ltd and interest and coverage in China has been growing steadily.

In order to aid this demand for information from China on the back of exposure from the 2003 report and the convention of the first World Tourism Marketing Summit in Nanjing in November 2004, the Chinese version website has been designed to keep Mandarin speakers up to date with WTTC's latest activities and statements, as well as to brief them with an overview of the Council's mission and objectives and provide straightforward access to our China-relevant research in Mandarin Chinese.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President WTTC said, "This is a logical step in our activities in China and is the best way of closing the gap between what we do and the market's awareness and understanding of these activities, methodologies and projects. This version of website will considerably multiply the reach of our core message."

The translated and concise version of the English language website is located at www.wttc.org.cn and can also be accessed via a link on the English language website, www.wttc.org/china/index.htm .