Tourist boards and institutions from 25 countries and regions gathered in Nanjing for the launch of this unique event. 196 exhibitors presented various kinds of tourism products at the exhibition. The regional Chinese tourism authorities and the Chinese Joint Pavilion presented the beauty of China to the world. Furthermore, the topics caravanning, spas & hot springs as well as golf tourism received much interest from visitors. The interactive displays and attractive booths created a colorful platform for the presentation of the various vacation concepts. With 24,108 traders and attendees from many domestic and international destinations, the inaugural NJTF exceeded the expectations of exhibitors and visitors alike. 

In the morning of February24th, Mr. Chen Gang, Vice Mayor of the People's Government of Nanjing Municipal, Mr. Jing Shenxian, Deputy Director General of Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Administration, Mr. Wang Zhenhe, Director General of Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Tourism & Park Service, and Mr. Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart opened the trade show with short speeches.  On the following morning, Feb. 25th, Mr. Yang Weize, member of the Jiangsu Party Committee and Secretary of Nanjing Party Committee visited the exhibition and expressed his support for the show concept. The inaugural event was further honored by the visit of, Mr. Zhang Weiguo, Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province together with Mr. Zhu Minyang, Secretary of CPC Jiangsu Municipal Committee and Mr. Chen Gang, Vice Mayor of the People's Government of Nanjing Municipal on Feb. 26th. The visits of the political leaders were accompanied by huge media attendance which granted an ongoing news coverage during the trade show.

The hall featuring an extensive array of domestic and international travel destinations as well as an attractive caravanning section was immediately filled with visitors.  In particular the caravanning and recreational vehicle exhibitors, representing a relatively new vacation form in China, received more than expected attention from visitors. All guests of honor made it a point to visit the RV & Caravaning section. A particular highlight was the extensive booth featuring premium caravans by one of Germany’s leading manufacturers, Knaus Tabbert. The exhibitors in both sections of the show reported higher than expected business deals and many good leads for future business.

The special section on Golf Travel highlighted an indoor driving range that provided an opportunity to test new golf equipment represented at the show.  The golf sport in general and golf travel in particular enjoy high growth rates in China.  Accordingly, the interest in the offers presented at the show was high. 

The conference program and seminars held in conjunction with the show was very successful.  It featured the first Sino-German RV Forum, the Nanjing Travel Fair Forum 2012 and a MICE Education program.  Additional presentations were offered by Tunisia, the InterContinental Nanjing, Spain Tourism Resources, One Yuan Auction, Tuniu-Your Travel Partner and others.  The performances of the Philippine Island Show, Nanjing Brocade Catwalk Show, Lufthansa Airline Stewardess Catwalk Show and the Spanish Flamenco Dancing Show were some of the highlights on the on-floor stage.  These performances regularly drew an enthusiastic response from the large audience following each of the presentations.

Following the concept of its German model even more closely, the next edition of the show will be branded as “CMT China” in the upcoming year 2013.  The next event will be held March 15-17, 2013 at the Nanjing International Expo Center and is expected to draw even more domestic and international participation.  
 
NJTF 2012 received positive feedback from exhibitors, visitors and media. For further information, please visit
http://www.njtf.com.cn/English/Xinwen/showDetail.aspx?tid=86