2023.07.06
Under the framework of the ”WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation”, ZHANG Xu, World Tourism Alliance Chairman, led a delegation to Barcelona at the invitation of Turisme de Barcelona for a meeting with its Director Edward Torres, on July 4, 2023.
ZHANG Xu expressed his gratitudeto Mr. Torres for the invitation and updated him on the revival of outbound tourism in China in the post-pandemic era. He shared insights from the China Market Sentiment Report released by the WTA, acknowledging Spain and China’s mutual significance as prominent sources of tourists and prime tourist destinations. Mr. ZHANG underscored the immense potential of cooperative endeavors in the tourism sector. “Barcelona holds a pivotal role in Spanish tourism”, he emphasized, further inviting Barcelona’s tourism enterprises, industry associations, hotels, and scenic spots to become integral members of the WTA. Mr. Zhang also invited Mr. Torres to the “2023 World Tourism Alliance• Xianghu Dialogue” to be held in Hangzhou, China, in November.
Director Torres warmly welcomed the WTA delegation to Barcelona, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the successful execution of the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation”. As a testament to Turisme de Barcelona’s steadfast commitment to the Chinese tourism market, he highlighted their proactive marketing strategies in cities like Shenzhen since February. Plans for further collaboration, including a visit to China later this year, are in the pipeline. Director Torres affirmed Turisme de Barcelona’s eagerness to cultivate a robust, mutually beneficial cooperation with the WTA, seeking opportunities for business expansion and contributing to the thriving global tourism industry.
The meeting was attended by the WTA’s Vice Chair and Secretary-General LIU Shijun, Deputy Director of Turisme de Barcelona in charge of market promotion, Madel, among others. Following the meeting, Chairman ZHANG Xu attended a welcome reception hosted by Turisme de Barcelona. Among the 50 attendees were ZHU Jingyang, Consul General of China in Barcelona, representatives of Chinese tourism industry exploring Barcelona post the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation”, and representatives from tourism authorities and cultural institutions of Barcelona and Catalonia.