2023.05.22
To drive the global tourism recovery and further deepen the collaboration between China and Spain in tourism, the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) is partnering with the Spanish Tourism Authority (TURESPAÑA) to host the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation” in Madrid on July 3, 2023, under the aegis of the 2023 China-Spain Culture and Tourism Year. In preparation for this event, a delegation led by Liu Shijun, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the WTA, recently visited Madrid for a working meeting with TURESPAÑA, the Chinese Embassy in Spain, Turisme de Barcelona, and other stakeholders to discuss progress on event planning.
On May 16, at the invitation of Miguel Sanz Casteldo, Director of TURESPAÑA, the delegation had a fruitful discussion. Liu Shijun noted that as a significant program under the China-Spain Culture and Tourism Year, the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation” has received high attention from both sides， adding that he was inspired when Prime Minister Sanchez announced during his visit to China in early April that the event will be held in Madrid in July. Liu Shijun revealed that the Chinese side’s preparations are proceeding smoothly. Miguel Sanz warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed Spain’s keen anticipation for Chinese tourists. He committed to facilitating the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation” and encouraged more Spanish tourism enterprises and institutions to join the WTA family. He also looked forward to closer cooperation with the WTA in the future.
On May 17, the delegation met with Wu Haitao, the Chinese Ambassador to Spain. Liu Shijun shared the WTA’s progress in developing its brand and the accomplishments it has made in its mission to alleviate poverty through tourism. He also detailed the preparations for the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation,” Ambassador Wu commended the WTA’s work since its establishment, noting that the China-Spain Culture and Tourism Year is an event to implement the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain. He pledged full support for the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation.” believing it will further strengthen and deepen the friendship between China and Spain.
The same day, the delegation also had a productive roundtable discussion on inbound tourism promotion with the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy in Spain, the China Cultural Center in Madrid, and the Madrid Tourism Office. They also met with Arantxa Calvera, the Executive Director of Turisme de Barcelona, to discuss detailed arrangements for the “WTA•Dialogue for China-Spain Tourism Cooperation.”
During May 16-17, the delegation visited two WTA member organizations – Federación Empresarial Territorial de Agencias de Viajes Españolas (FETAVE) and El Corte Inglés Department Store. This marked the first in-person visit to overseas members by the WTA since the pandemic outbreak. Mercedes Tejero, Manager of FETAVE, and Javier Fernández Andrino, Director of International Tourism and Luxury Expansion at El Corte Inglés, both pledged their active participation in WTA activities, expressing their intention to deepen the cooperation with the WTA to better promote cultural tourism exchanges between China and Spain.
Zhao Xinshu, Director of the WTA Liaison Office, Beijing, and Yang Wenjiao, Director of the Division of Cooperation and Development, also participated in these activities.