Over 3,000 attendees joined the 6th Central China Tourism Expo (CCTE), which took place July 6-8 in the City of Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. The 3-day travel trade event was organized by Hubei Provincial Tourism Administration and co-hosted by China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Hubei Provincial People’s Government.

Together with Mr. Wang Guosheng, Governor of Hubei Province, and Mr. Shao Qiwei, Chairman of CNTA, Eng João Manuel Costa Antunes, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), participated in the Expo.

The PATA Chairman told delegates at the opening ceremony: “I believe Hubei is an area that PATA may serve by helping promote its invaluable treasures, such as nature, to international visitors.”

Mr. Antunes told the audience that in the last 6 years the CCTE had established its international brand as a renowned tourism expo in central China, playing an important role in promoting Hubei.

He said: “PATA is very honored to be taking part in this distinguished event and will continue its engagement and commitment to the growth of Hubei tourism.”
On July 5, Mr. Antunes met with Mr. Wang Guosheng, Governor of Hubei Province. They discussed the current status and future strategy of Hubei tourism development. Mr. Antunes was told that a highspeed railway would be a key driver for the local tourism industry. They also discussed the international promotion of tourism and Hubei’s brand image.

Mr. Antunes noted that with its unique heritage and good accessibility, Hubei is poised to open a new chapter of development. “PATA will try and help Hubei to achieve its full potential of growth in terms of product development, branding, and international marketing,” said the PATA Chairman.

Mr. Wang expressed his gratitude for PATA’s support to Hubei’s tourism development, and thanked Mr. Antunes for his presence at CCTE. He said that with the emerging cluster of cities along the Yangtze River, including the three provinces of Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi, the tourism in Hubei was on the threshold of a new era in tourism.

Mr. Wang said that Hubei valued its collaboration with international tourism authorities such as PATA.