QUESTION & ANSWER: Lu Yong, leader of the preparatory group of the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), answers reporters' questions during the organization's official founding on April 19 (LI FANGFANG)

If urban economies are engines for development, then tourism is a turbocharger.

The World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) held a press conference in Beijing on April 19 and announced plans to establish the fledgling organization's headquarters in the city. The WTCF is a non-government and non-profit organization to promote communication and cooperation between cities and offer travelers greater convenience.

So far, 17 Chinese cities, 10 tourism organizations and 20 international cities, including Barcelona, Berlin and Dubai, have pledged support for the federation.

"The world looks set to witness 1 billion tourists crossing international borders in 2012 (1.8 billion by 2030), and many of these tourists will visit cities," said Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai in a congratulatory letter to Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong, acknowledging the city's role in "leading the initiative to increase tourism's recognition as key contributor to the economies, societies and cultures of cities all over the world."

The organization provides cities a platform to exhibit themselves and share experiences in tourism and urban development, said Lu Yong, the leader of the organization's preparatory group. Boosting tourism, improving facilities and creating job opportunities are also important functions of the federation.

The organization will offer services to make travelers' trips across cities smoother. "Many conveniences will meet customers' needs, including increasing the flight lines and number, building up mechanism of emergency aid, perfecting information services and producing appealing travel packages," Lu said.

The WTCF also plans to produce comprehensive criteria for a list of attractive tourism destinations. In June, several hundred experts will wrap up a year's research of international ranking criteria and publicize the results.

As China gradually becomes the focus of the global market, it has also turned to an attractive destination. In 2012, international arrivals to China are expected to near 146 million, generating some $50 billion for the country, according to forecasts by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

"It is perfect timing and a brilliant decision to launch the federation and locate its headquarters in China's capital and tourism hub city," said Martin Craigs, PATA's chief executive officer.