WTA Secretariat Participates in “World Without Borders” Organized Online Conference to Promote Cross-Border Tourism Development in SCO Countries

Beijing, December 7, 2023 – The World Tourism Alliance (WTA) Secretariat participated in the online conference titled “Promoting Cross-Border Tourism Development in SCO(Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Countries”, initiated by the Russia’s “World Without Borders” Tourism Association, a member of the WTA Council. The event, held on the afternoon of December 7, 2023, was co-organized, “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural heritage, Chinese Association of Travel Services (CATS) and the digital marketing platform “World travel chat”. Moderated by Alexander Lvov, head of Russia’s “World Without Borders” Tourism Association, the conference unfolded in thematic sessions focusing on Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The opening segment featured addresses by Shri Janesh Kain, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and Mr. LIU Yufeng, WTA Deputy Secretary-General. Representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the China Association of Travel Services, and tourism departments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with stakeholders from tourism enterprises, associations, and the academic community of the respective countries, delivered speeches in their thematic sessions.

In his address, Mr. LIU Yufeng highlighted the major achievements of the WTA over the past six years. Noting China’s global civilization initiative intended to lay a solid foundation for building a community with a shared future for humanity, Mr. LIU expressed confidence in the unique powerful role of tourism under this grand initiative. He conveyed the WTA’s commitment to collaborate with the tourism industry of SCO countries in advancing this significant agenda. Mr. LIU welcomed influential tourism enterprises, associations, and destination cities from SCO countries to join the WTA, contributing to the global recovery, revitalization, and development in the face of common challenges.