2023.12.21
Hangzhou, December 20 – The World Tourism Alliance (WTA) commemorated its anniversary with a symposium at its headquarters in Xianghu, Hangzhou. The event was attended by key figures from the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism of China, Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism, the People’s Government of Xiaoshan District, the Administrative Committee of Xianghu Lake National Tourist Resort, and representatives of WTA member organizations in Hangzhou, along with the entire staff of the WTA Secretariat.
Mr. LIU Shijun, WTA Vice Chair and Secretary-General, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the WTA’s accomplishments since its establishment in Hangzhou. Under the support of the Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, Xiaoshan District, and WTA members, the WTA has made significant strides in infrastructure, brand building, international exchange and cooperation, tourism for poverty alleviation, and industry research. Mr. LIU emphasized the WTA’s commitment to narrating China’s story, amplifying its voice globally, and contributing positively to the sustainable and inclusive development of the international tourism industry.
Prominent speakers at the meeting included Mr. XU Peng, WTA Vice Chair and Level I Inspector of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism of China; Mr. LIU Yufeng, WTA Deputy Secretary-General and member of the Party Group and Level II Inspector of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism; Mr. YANG Xincheng, Deputy District Chief of Xiaoshan; and the founder of New Century Tourism Group, Mr. CHEN Miaolin. The speakers unanimously acknowledged the significant role of the WTA headquarters in Xianghu in boosting Zhejiang’s cultural and tourism development, enhancing the international tourism destination brand of Zhejiang, and fostering deep connections between Zhejiang and the global tourism industry. They pledged continuous support for the WTA’s growth and expressed hope to leverage this high-profile international platform to further propel Zhejiang’s tourism on the global stage.
With the motto “Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World” and the mission of “Promoting Tourism for Peace, Development, and Poverty Alleviation”, the WTA now boasts 236 members from 41 countries and regions. The WTA plans to continue its efforts in fostering global dialogue and collaboration through initiatives like the “WTA • Xianghu Dialogue” and other flagship events such as the WTA Members’ Day and WTA Annual Reception, alongside publishing a series of research reports, thereby creating a platform for global tourism industry stakeholders to consult, construct, and share together.