China to become major convention-holding country

China will become a major player in hosting international conventions and meetings in a few years thanks to its increasing opening up and internationalization, an industry expert said on Sunday. Arnaldo Nardone, president of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), said China's opening up and internationalization have brought important opportunities for the development of the international convention industry. Nardone made the remarks at the 52nd ICCA Congress that opened in Shanghai on Sunday. ICCA chief executive officer Martin Sirk said China has a large group of potential convention partakers as well as superb cities and facilities for the holding of conventions. Sirk said many Chinese cities are experienced in hosting large-scale international conventions, and the hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou has dramatically boosted the country's infrastructure as well as software for conventions and tourism. Convention has developed into a major business of China's tourism industry, said Du Yili, deputy director of China National Tourism Administration, noting that more than 6 million foreigners came to China for business meetings and conventions in 2012. Sirk said many ICCA members have showed interests in China and hoped to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China through the ICCA congress. The ICCA congress, held for the first in China's mainland, will conclude on Wednesday.