The World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development, focusing on the theme of “Rebuilding World Tourism for Prosperity”, was held at the China National Convention Center on September 5. Hu Heping, Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Chen Jining, Deputy Secretary of CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mayor of Beijing and Chairman of World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.

In his speech, Hu Heping said China is willing to deepen cooperation and share experience with other countries to jointly advance the tourism industry. He called on the governments of all countries to work in coordination and provide assistance to seriously hit countries. He also suggested the governments reinforce top-level designs, integrate resources across sectors, and roll out comprehensive measures to help tourism companies tide over this trying time and maintain a sound industrial ecology. Businesses should seek opportunities from the crisis and build up strengths. Hu advised them to enhance their abilities during the outbreak, carefully plan growth, develop new products and explore new models. Tourists were advised to shift towards healthy travel. He urged Chinese and foreign tourists to travel wisely, and choose a safe, green and civic-minded way of travel. This would not only make them responsible travelers, but also allow them to gain a better experience. Hu expressed the hope that international tourism organizations continue to set up platforms of exchange and cooperation. He called on governments, tourism regulators, industrial associations, tourism businesses, experts and scholars of all countries to take action through this difficult period and work together for the common goal of tourism recovery and revitalization.

Chen Jining pointed to the fact that tourism is one of the industries most seriously hit by COVID-19. He quoted General Secretary Xi Jinping's remarks at the Global Trade in Service Summit of the 2020 CIFTIS that COVID-19 “cannot block the growth of trade in services. Nor will it affect our confidence and action as we pursue shared progress and mutually beneficial cooperation”, and proposed that considering the risk that COVID-19 may exist for a long time, tourism cities should intensify international cooperation in epidemic prevention and control, set up bilateral or multilateral information exchange and communication mechanisms, and step up risk control. A green and healthy travel mode needs to be promoted, and greater efforts are required to build travelers' awareness of environmental protection, resource recycling, health and public safety. Governments of all countries should take steps to better support tourism companies and workers, and help businesses to transform and adopt new technologies and approaches for higher efficiency. They should also give more support to personnel training, so that tourism workers can adapt to the new requirements raised by new business forms and models as prompt as possible. Chen said solidarity and wisdom will eventually empower us to conquer all difficulties and challenges, and world tourism and economy will definitely embrace a brighter future.

The World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development was co-hosted by WTCF and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Deputy Secretary-General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Sherali Jonon, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Vice Mayor of Wuhan Chen Honghui also delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. Vice Mayor of Beijing Wang Hong gave a keynote speech. Secretary-General of Beijing municipal government Jin Wei was present at the conference. 

(Reporter: Wang Hao)