American Express Business Travel Hosts First-Ever China Business Travel Forum

China Travel Services

SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2005--For the first time, American Express Business Travel and the Chinese government have jointly organized the China Business Travel Forum, which opens on Wednesday, April 13th in Shanghai. The co-organized Forum, by American Express Business Travel and the Shanghai International Conference Management Organization, a subsidiary of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission, will feature more than fifty exhibitors including leading airlines, hotel chains, car rental companies, delegates from government bodies, leading travel suppliers, regional and multi-national corporations in China. The Forum is expected to draw more than 700 participants representing companies from around the world who have an interest in corporate travel management in China.

The Forum is the first large-scale business travel event in China to receive full support from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission (SMTAC). 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. 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.

"American Express Business Travel has a history of firsts in China and this Forum is just the latest example," Petruccelli continued. "It is a one of a kind event designed to promote a dialogue between buyers and supplies of travel services throughout China. 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."

In conjunction with the China Business Travel Forum, American Express Business Travel will also host its annual Global Media Forum. 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. 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.

"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.

Large local and global business travel vendors will be showcasing their latest products and services during the China Business Travel Forum. In addition, there will be seminars covering diverse topics related to T&E management as well as social functions for participants to foster business relationships. This interactive forum has attracted much attention from industry players, and all trade booths and sponsorships have been filled. For more information about CBTF, please visit the website at: www.americanexpress.com/cbtf.

About the American Express China Business Travel Forum and Global Media Forum

The China Business Travel Forum (April 13th and 14th) created and hosted by American Express Business Travel and the Shanghai International Conference Management Organization, is a business-to-business educational conference, designed to showcase the business travel industry, foster business relationships and further business travel in China, both internally and externally. The Forum is the first-ever event of its kind in China and will feature more than fifty exhibitors including leading airlines, hotel chains, car rental companies, delegates from government bodies, leading travel suppliers and multi-national corporations in China, and regional corporations. In conjunction with the Business Travel Forum, American Express Business Travel will also host its annual Global Media Forum, which will give journalists from around the world the opportunity to visit the Business Travel Forum and get a firsthand perspective on the rapidly-expanding Chinese business travel market.

About Shanghai International Conference Management Organization

Shanghai International Conference Management Organization (SICMO) was established by Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission for promoting the industry of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) in Shanghai. The objectives of Shanghai International Conference Management Organization are to enhance the development of MICE in Shanghai, to establish a platform for MICE information and to provide services for all stakeholders with most updated MICE information in the world.

About CITS American Express

In January 2002, American Express and China International Travel Service (CITS) announced the establishment of CITS American Express Travel Services Limited, the first Sino-US business travel joint venture in the People's Republic of China and opened the first business travel call center in Beijing. The joint venture provides a wide range of business travel management services, including obtaining and handling visas, international and domestic flight reservations and ticketing, hotel reservations, convention services and other land arrangements, to multi-national corporations, regional and domestic companies throughout PRC. The second and third call centers opened in December 2002 in Shanghai and February 2003 in Guangzhou respectively.

About American Express Corporate Services

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks, recording $18 billion in worldwide travel sales in 2004. More information on expense management tools from Corporate Services can be found at http://www.americanexpress.com/corporateservices.

The American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.

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