On the 11 December 2001 China became a full member of the World Trade Organisation
(WTO). It was the final step in a long chain of events, which preceded the full membership of
the communistic country. As China is the second biggest trading power in the world with a GDP
of US$ 4.5 trillion, it could no longer be ignored by the western countries, and more and more
other nations, especially in Europe, increased their bilateral relations with China. This country in
the Far East has not only one of the oldest cultures in the world, but has also one of the biggest
and most profitable markets to become accessible for western companies. With a population of
1.4 billion people China has also the highest population on this planet. Its main economic factors
are agriculture (rice, soja), natural resources (coal, gold, oil) and industry (garment, metal). But
tourism is playing a more and more important role for this country. With the granting of the
Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing, the Chinese government expects a major boost in the
hospitality sector over the next 10 years. [...]
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Admission to the WTO
A. History
B. Reasons for China to join the WTO
C. Positive Impacts
D. Negative Impacts
III. Olympic Games 2008 Beijing
A. Olympic Plans
B. Green Olympics
IV. European Investments in China
A. Transrapid
B. Others
V. Benefits for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
VI. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Topics
This paper examines how significant economic and political developments in China—specifically WTO membership, the 2008 Olympic Games, and strengthening European-Chinese relations—impact the nation's tourism and hospitality sector.
- China’s integration into the global market via the WTO.
- Strategic development and sustainability initiatives for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- The influence of European foreign direct investment on Chinese infrastructure.
- Long-term growth projections for the tourism and hospitality industry.
- Social and economic transformations and their inherent risks.
Excerpt from the Book
I. Introduction
On the 11 December 2001 China became a full member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It was the final step in a long chain of events, which preceded the full membership of the communistic country. As China is the second biggest trading power in the world with a GDP of US$ 4.5 trillion, it could no longer be ignored by the western countries, and more and more other nations, especially in Europe, increased their bilateral relations with China. This country in the Far East has not only one of the oldest cultures in the world, but has also one of the biggest and most profitable markets to become accessible for western companies. With a population of 1.4 billion people China has also the highest population on this planet. Its main economic factors are agriculture (rice, soja), natural resources (coal, gold, oil) and industry (garment, metal). But tourism is playing a more and more important role for this country. With the granting of the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing, the Chinese government expects a major boost in the hospitality sector over the next 10 years.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: An overview of China’s recent economic shift and its increasing integration into the global economy, setting the stage for tourism growth.
II. Admission to the WTO: Analyzes the history of China’s accession, the motivations behind it, and the potential short- and long-term positive and negative impacts.
III. Olympic Games 2008 Beijing: Discusses the infrastructure plans and the "Green Olympics" initiative, highlighting their role in promoting sustainable development.
IV. European Investments in China: Examines specific European investments, including the Transrapid project and growth in the telecommunications and automotive sectors.
V. Benefits for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry: Evaluates the projected economic growth in travel and tourism through 2012 and the associated benefits for infrastructure and employment.
VI. Conclusion: Summarizes the outlook for China as a leading tourist destination, noting the tension between rapid modernization and social/political challenges.
Keywords
China, Tourism, WTO, 2008 Olympics, Beijing, Hospitality Industry, Foreign Investment, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development, Infrastructure, Global Trade, Travel, Employment, Social Market Economy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the potential benefits for China's tourism and hospitality sector arising from its WTO accession, the 2008 Olympic Games, and improved economic relations with Europe.
What are the central themes examined?
Key themes include international trade liberalization, urban development strategies for the Olympics, environmental sustainability, and the impact of foreign investment on Chinese service sectors.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to analyze how global integration and large-scale international events serve as catalysts for transforming the Chinese tourism market.
Which methodology is applied?
The author utilizes a descriptive analysis based on economic reports, industry research from the WTTC, and current news data available up to April 2002.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body chapters detail WTO membership implications, the "Green Olympics" project, European business partnerships in technology and infrastructure, and long-term GDP and tourism growth forecasts.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is defined by terms such as China, Tourism, WTO, 2008 Olympics, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Development.
How is the "Green Olympics" concept defined in the text?
It is defined by the application of Agenda 21 guidelines, focusing on reducing gas emissions, improving air quality, recycling waste, and investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
What does the author conclude about the future of Chinese tourism?
The author predicts that China will become a world-leading tourist destination by 2020, provided it continues to invest in infrastructure and sustainable development while navigating the risks of rapid economic transition.
- Quote paper
- Ullrich Kastner (Author), 2002, Possible benefits to the Chinese tourism and hospitality industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/13727
