19 September 2012

According to a report, 'Hainan: Travel & Tourism Development Potential 2011 2021' released today by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), by 2021 tourism expenditure in Hainan will be roughly equivalent to that of Singapore today, and the industry will support as many jobs as in Malaysia and Italy today.

In December 2009, China's State Council issued a decree that Hainan in the South China Sea the largest Special Economic Zone in China was to be elevated into a world-class international tourist resort destination by 2020 and the Provincial Government is now well on the way to reaching these goals, according to the WTTC report.

Highlights of the report state:

Such rapid growth though does have some risks. It is important for the Hainan Provincial Government to ensure a carefully planned, island-wide approach, ensuring a spirit of co-operation and co-ordination among the different stakeholders, not to mention the best interests of the local population at all times. This will help ensure that Travel & Tourism does achieve the higher-end goals of sustainable development contributing to natural and cultural heritage protection and preservation, as well as poverty alleviation.

Speaking at the launch of the report in London today, David Scowsill, WTTC President and CEO, said: "Hainan is clearly well on-track to achieve its aim of becoming a world-class international tourism destination by 2020. With rapid growth in employment, visitor expenditure and contribution to GDP, it is not surprising that this tropical island has already attracted the attention of almost every major international hotel brand.

"The Government of Hainan Province clearly recognises Travel & Tourism's potential for economic and social contribution and great steps have been taken over the past three years to develop Hainan as a world-class destination. The opportunity is now to develop a sustainable, diverse product which draws on the Province's unique cultural and natural heritage, burgeoning business tourism sector and high profile new attractions."

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. In 2011 Travel & Tourism accounted for 255 million jobs globally. At US$6.3 trillion (9.1% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world's leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.

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Hainan set to rival Singapore, Malaysia and Italy by 2021