American Express Business Travel and the Chinese government have jointly organized the China Business Travel Forum, which opens on Wednesday, April 13th in Shanghai.Ê The co-organized Forum, by American Express Business Travel and the Shanghai International Conference Management Organization will feature more than fifty exhibitors.Ê

The Forum is the first large-scale business travel event in China to receive full support from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission (SMTAC).Ê The two-day Forum will focus on creating a business-to-business environment for exhibitors and delegates to learn about and understand new products, share experiences in business travel and entertainment (T&E) management, both in China and around the world, as well as to explore and engage in partnership opportunities.

“With the Chinese economy’s dynamic growth and the country’s ascension into the World Trade Organization, the need for business travel services is growing rapidly.Ê We have been very focused on rapidly growing our business in China since our entry in 2002, We have been leading the way helping to meet our clients’ growing business needs in China and are very pleased to host our first ever China Business Travel Forum,” said Charles Petruccelli, President of American Express Global Travel Services.Ê

Ê“American Express Business Travel has a history of firsts in China and this Forum is just the latest example,” Petruccelli continued.Ê “It is a one of a kind event designed to promote a dialogue between buyers and supplies of travel services throughout China.Ê We hope to foster connections, build relationships, provide educational opportunities and help further the expansion of business travel in China both internally and externally. Participants will learn first-hand how the China travel market is developing and about American Express Business Travel’s offerings.”

Ê
In conjunction with the China Business Travel Forum, American Express Business Travel will also host its annual Global Media Forum.Ê Journalists from around the world will have the opportunity to visit the China Business Travel Forum, meet with key American Express executives, hear remarks from Chinese government dignitaries and visit American Express’ Shanghai call center.Ê American Express Business Travel will also make a series of announcements at the Global Media Forum, including the unveiling of the first-ever China Business Travel Barometer? an examination of travel trends that are shaping the Chinese business travel market.Ê

Ê

“Shanghai is one of the most important business centers in the world and the demand for business travel management services is significant, as is the need for increasing public awareness of T&E management. We believe the knowledge and strong global reputation of American Express make it the ideal partner to co-host this event,” commented Ms. Zhou Aimei, Director from SMTAC.

Ê
——-