WTA’s Vice Chair & Secretary-General, LIU Shijun, Attends the 2023 International Islands Tourism Conference

October 12-14, 2023 – The 2023 International Islands Tourism Conference was held in the Zhoushan Archipelago of Zhejiang, China. Organized by The People’s Government of Zhejiang Province and co-hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the People’s Government of Zhoushan City, the event saw a special address by the Vice Chair & Secretary-General of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), LIU Shijun.

In his address, LIU Shijun highlighted that, driven by demand, the landscape of island tourism is undergoing significant transformation. Driven by demand, island tourism is progressing towards a diversified pattern featuring the emergence of new forms of tourism centered on leisure. Islands endowed with rich resources are poised to become significant drivers for the high-quality development of the tourism industry. He emphasized that the 2023 International Islands Tourism Conference sets the stage for countries and regions along the “Maritime Silk Road” to propel sustainable maritime development, deepen international island tourism exchange, and establish a maritime economic cooperation platform. This initiative will enhance international marine economic collaboration and improve the global reputation of island tourist destinations. The WTA is committed to collaborating with all sectors globally, adhering to the principle of achieving shared growth through consultation and collaboration, to deepen international island tourism cooperation and jointly promote the high-quality, sustainable development of island tourism.

Themed “New Silk Road, New Momentum, New Opportunities”, the 2023 International Island Tourism Conference saw the participation of over 500 representatives, including members from the World Tourism Alliance, World Tourism Cities Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles, China Tourism Group, and other agencies and experts from 17 countries and regions. Their collective presence and insights have contributed wisdom towards advancing sustainable marine development, upholding international maritime order, and promoting maritime prosperity and well-being.