2019 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for Chinese outbound tourism, but which are the key dates you need to know for next year’s diary?
We’ve listed some of the most important dates in the Chinese calendar, including (in red) the public holidays.
If you are promoting your travel brand in the China market, you can also find below a list of China’s most important trade shows for 2019 and details about each event. We hope you find it useful!
2019 Chinese National Holidays:
Sunday 30th December 18 to Tuesday 1st January 19: New Year Holiday
Monday 4th February to Sunday 10th February: Chinese New Year Holiday/ Spring Festival
Chinese New Year is on Tuesday 5th February
Friday 8th March: International Women’s Day – Half-day off for women
Friday 5th April to Sunday 7th April: Ching Ming Festival
Monday 29th April to Wednesday 1st May: Labour Day Holiday
Saturday 4th May: Youth Day
Saturday 1st June: Children’s Day
Friday 7th June to Sunday 9th June: Dragon Boat Festival
Thursday 1st August: Army Day
Friday 13th September to Sunday 15th September: Mid-Autumn Festival
Tuesday 1st October to Monday 7th October: National Day Holiday
2019 Trade shows in China:
Guangzhou International Trade Fair
Dates: Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd February
Location: China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex, Guangzhou, China
Description: This trade show, considered one of the most important B2B and B2C annual travel fairs in the Asia-Pacific region, focuses on outbound and inbound travel as well as MICE. In the past, the event has accommodated over 980 exhibitors and 140,000 visitors.
China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market
Dates: Monday 15th to Wednesday 17th April
Location: New Hall, National Agricultural Exhibition Center, Beijing
Description: This trade show has been held since 2004 and remains the only business event focusing solely on the Chinese outbound tourism market. The event welcomes over 4,000 Chinese trade buyers and new destinations exhibit every year, with Poland, Romania, and Qatar among those involved in the 2018 show. Find out more at: http://www.cottm.com
ITB China 2019
Dates: Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th April
Location: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Shanghai
Description: ITB China started in 2017 and has since grown to become one of the most essential travel fairs to attend in China. The fair is a three-day B2B travel exhibition focusing on the Chinese travel market, inviting over 850 buyers from Greater China and industry professionals worldwide. Find out more here: http://www.itb-china.com
Shanghai World Travel Fair
Dates: Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st April
Location: Shanghai Exhibition Center, Shanghai
Description: Over 750 exhibitors and 62,000 trade and public visitors attend this show to be informed of the latest developments in the tourism industry and network with industry professionals. Find out more at: http://www.worldtravelfair.com.cn/en/
Beijing International Travel Expo (BITE)
Dates: Friday 10th to Sunday 12th May
Location: China National Convention Center, Beijing
Description: BITE has been operating since 2004 and welcomes thousands of participating exhibitors from over 80 countries and 30 Chinese provinces. It has become a world-renowned platform for information exchange, trade and exhibition in the China tourism industry. Find out more at: http://www.bjbite.com/index.php?m=about&a=index&qh=1&cid=1&aid=2
IBTM China
Dates: Wednesday 28th to Thursday 29th August
Location: China National Convention Center, Beijing
Description: This is an important travel fair for business meetings, conventions and incentive travel, attracting over 5,000 industry professionals representing hotels, event agencies, convention centers, and event companies worldwide. https://www.cibtm.com
Beijing International Travel Market (BITM)
Dates: Wednesday 4th September to Thursday 5th September
Location: China International Exhibition Center, Beijing
Description: This premier travel fair presents a great opportunity for destinations, attractions, tour operators and airlines to established relationships with Chinese businesses and promote their services. A great event to attend for organisations looking to enter the Chinese travel market.
Travel Trade Market (TTM)
Dates: Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September
Location: Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Center, Chengdu
Description: First launched this year, Travel Trade Market will return in 2019 to bring together over 300 buyers and 150 exhibitors from China and worldwide to network and create business opportunities. The tradeshow specialises in inbound and outbound travel of China and seeks to establish a presence for international exhibitions in the Chinese tourism market. Find out more here: http://www.ttmchina.com.cn
Chengdu International Tourism Expo (CITE)
Dates: TBC – likely November or December 2019
Location: TBC
Description: CITE is the leading tourism exhibition in Chengdu for tourism industry professionals promoting travel packages, destinations, products and services. The platform seeks to provide a one-stop platform for industry professionals to establish business relations and explore new opportunities while expanding their existing professional network.
Destination Britain China
Dates: TBC – likely November 2019
Location: TBC
Description: This is a fantastic event for UK-based tourism businesses looking to conduct business with China and Hong Kong’s top tour operators.