WTA Attends the Opening Ceremony of the 40th China Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival & France-China Year of Culture and Tourism

Harbin, January 5 — In a remarkable display of cultural exchange and tourism collaboration, the 40th China Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, alongside the Opening Ceremony of the France-China Year of Culture and Tourism, commenced grandly in Harbin Ice and Snow World. This prestigious event, co-hosted by the Harbin Municipal People’s Government and the Embassy of France in China, saw notable figures from both nations come together to celebrate the richness and diversity of their cultures. Secretary of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee, XU Qin, officially inaugurated the festival, while the Governor of Heilongjiang, LIANG Huiling, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. In a significant move, LU Yingchuan, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of China, and Olivia Grégoire, representing the Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France, jointly inaugurated the France-China Year of Culture and Tourism. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Bertrand LORTHOLARY, the French Ambassador to China, and Mr. LIU Shijun, Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) and Pansy HO, WTA Vice Chair and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum. A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of magnificent ice sculptures of the Temple of Heaven and Notre-Dame Cathedral, symbolizing the cultural bridge between China and France.

Themed “Passion for Winter Games: Warming the World with Ice and Snow”, this year’s festival is organized into four main chapters: “Meet in the Ice City”, “Songs of Ice and Snow”, “Dragon Year Family Fun”, and “Spring Snow Welcomes the Spring Sunshine”. These chapters encompass seven sections: festival celebrations, cultural activities, artistic displays, sports events, trade, fashion, and public participation in ice and snow activities. Over a hundred unique ice and snow events are planned, aiming to promote the full industry chain of ice and snow sports, culture, equipment, and tourism, showcasing the world-class splendor of the event and advancing the high-quality development of Heilongjiang’s unique cultural tourism. Dignitaries including officials from various departments of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, WTA members, foreign guests, representatives of embassies and consulates in China, officials from various Chinese tourism cities and tourism administrations, as well as representatives from the provincial and municipal tourism departments of Heilongjiang attended the opening ceremony. The day was further marked by the China Ice and Snow Tourism Development Forum 2024 and a special cultural and artistic performance featuring ice and snow themes.