On behalf of the World Leisure Organization and the Organizing Committee of the World Leisure EXPO, I am happy to announce the 9th World Leisure Congress to be held October 15-20, 2006 in China Hangzhou. This will be the largest Congress ever held by World Leisure, and is expected to attract some 3,000 delegates. The theme of the Congress will be "Leisure . integral to social, cultural and economic development."

The Congress format will inbrclude plenary sessions with top international speakers, panels and debates on critical issues, round tables for sharing ideas and best practice, presentations by international leisure specialists, workshops and training sessions, special exhibitions and performances, and the presentation of scientific papers on all aspects of leisure and tourism. The Congress will be where research, enquiry, policy and practice come together and in a new and dynamic setting.

With the Congress situated in the newly developed World Leisure EXPO Garden, delegates will have access to the events and displays of the World Leisure EXPO 2006. Participants will be able to take advantage of extensive tour and social programs both for delegates and accompanying persons.

A dynamic country, a fascinating City, a top quality Congress, what better time than October 2006 to travel to and experience China.