LONDON, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Chic Outlet Shopping^®  by Value Retail has been officially accepted as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the only Affiliate Member in the retail sector.  

The UNWTO plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Recognising the importance of public-private partnership for the positive development of tourism, in addition to its 161 Member States, the UNWTO brings together more than 400 'Affiliate Members' from the private sector.

As the only Affiliate Member in the retail sector, the Collection of Chic Outlet Shopping^® Villages has been recognised for the important role its play in the promotion of regional destinations, the subsequent growth of inbound visitation to Europe and the continued diversification of tourism globally.

 "The World Tourism Organization is proud to count on the knowledge and experience of Chic Outlet Shopping^® by Value Retail in tourism and luxury retail, something that we look forward to sharing with the Organization's Members." Javier Blanco, Director of UNWTO Affiliate Members

Desirée Bollier, CEO, Value Retail Management added, "We are delighted that the World Tourism Organization recognizes the powerful potential that shopping tourism can provide. Our Affiliate Membership is a vote of confidence in our prominence as a leading international shopping destination and in our on-going commitment to develop and promote sustainable shopping tourism."

In 2011 the Chic Outlet Shopping^® Villages by Value Retail attracted more than 29 million visits, an increase of more than 12% on the previous year. The growing popularity of the Collection of Villages with international visitors can be seen by the trend in year-on-year, increased tax refunded sales, which during the period of January to May 2012 were up by of 46% compared to the same period last year, with significant growth in the number of visitors from China (+74%) and Russia (+66%).  For more information, please visit ChicOutletShopping.com

About Chic Outlet Shopping^® 

Chic Outlet Shopping^® is the Collection of luxury outlet Villages by Value Retail, the only company to specialise exclusively in the development and operation of luxury outlet shopping Villages. The Villages offer the authentic previous seasons' collections of leading luxury fashion and lifestyle brands with savings of up to 60%, and sometimes more, on the recommended retail price, all year round. Within easy reach of some of Europe's and China's favourite gateway cities - London, Dublin, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Bologna, Brussels, Antwerp, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich and, coming soon, Suzhou and Shanghai - the Villages are synonymous with high fashion, superior service and hospitality, a calendar of celebrated events, and exceptional value for money. Located in regions of cultural and historic renown, the Villages have become international tourist destinations in their own right. Value Retail's new venture to bring its distinctive Chic Outlet Shopping^® Villages to China will see its first Village - Suzhou Village™ - located in historic Suzhou, 50 miles west of Shanghai. As with other members of the Collection, Suzhou Village™ will be defined by its offer of international luxury fashion and lifestyle brands, together with an exceptional level of service.

SOURCE Value Retail