Travel agents are still organising more conventions than professional congress organisers in China.

This was one of the findings of the China and Asia Meetings Industry Research Report drawn from responses to Reed Travel Exhibitions database survey. A total of 445 buyers and 180 suppliers were involved.

Suppliers said they were mainly involved with conferences and meetings (64 per cent of their business) whilst incentives were not far behind at 53 per cent. Although travel agencies were still the dominant third party organisers, the role of the PCO has risen from sixth place last year to second in 2011. Pharma and medical clients dominated the sector although the financial services/banking category rose from 6th position in last year’s research to 2nd place. Of the buyers, the percentage of respondents organising conferences and meetings has risen to 74 per cent from 64 per cent in 2010.

Asked about meetings in China, buyers' satisfaction levels for their events in China showed there was room for improvement in facilities as only 44 per cent rated destinations used as very good or excellent – a reduction from the 60 per cent of last year.