2024.07.04
Budapest, July 3 – The “Europe-China Tourism Dialogue” Promotional Event：Exhibition was inaugurated today in Budapest. This significant event was co-hosted by the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), the European Travel Commission (ETC), and the Hungarian Tourism Agency (HTA). Key dignitaries in attendance included Mr. ZHANG Xu, WTA Chair; Mr. GONG Tao, Ambassador of China to Hungary; Mr. Eduardo SANTANDER, Executive Director of the European Travel Commission and WTA Vice Chair; and Mr. Olivér CSENDES, CEO of Visit Hungary, all of whom delivered addresses at the opening ceremony.
Mr. GONG Tao, Ambassador of China to Hungary
Ambassador GONG Tao emphasized Hungary’s significant role as a key partner for China in Europe, contributing positively to the steady development of China-Europe relations. He highlighted tourism as a crucial area of cooperation between China and Hungary, noting the enhanced connectivity and strengthened ties between the two nations. With Hungary recently assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the timing of hosting the “Europe-China Tourism Dialogue” on the beautiful banks of the Danube River was deemed perfect. Both with a long history of civilization and rich tourism resources, China and Europe attach great importance to the development of the tourism industry as an important pillar of the economy. Ambassador GONG expressed his hope for deeper exchanges and closer ties between China, Hungary, and Europe, fostering mutual visits and friendship among their people.
Mr. Eduardo SANTANDER, Executive Director of the European Travel Commission and WTA Vice Chair
Mr. Eduardo SANTANDER remarked on the powerful unifying force of tourism, which brings together people, cultures, and economies. He looked forward to leveraging this dialogue to share best practices, enhance mutual understanding, improve tourism experiences, promote sustainable tourism, and support the industry’s sustainable growth between Europe and China.
Mr. Olivér CSENDES, CEO of Visit Hungary
Mr. Olivér CSENDES highlighted the long-standing traditional partnership between China and Hungary. He shared that, in the first six months of this year, collaborative efforts between the tourism sectors of China and Hungary, including airlines, travel agencies, and short video platforms, achieved new breakthroughs. The significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting Hungary indicated a promising tourism market. He anticipated insightful discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, data-driven management, and new media marketing during the event.
The exhibition featured three sections, employing diverse formats such as photo displays, multimedia screenings, and virtual reality experiences to showcase the rich cultural and tourism resources of China, Europe, and Hungary. The Chinese section, curated with beautiful landscapes, modern architecture, and intangible cultural heritage, offered narratives in multiple languages, presenting an authentic, endearing, and respectable image of China. A micro-documentary, “Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World”, highlighted China’s achievements in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization through tourism. English guides on cultural attractions, like Beijing’s central axis, were well-received by European travel professionals and local visitors. The exhibition also included virtual reality experiences, traditional crafts, and folk music performances.
Guests from China and Europe praised the exhibition for its innovative format and captivating content, describing it as both a visual feast and a touching experience that deepened their understanding of Chinese history, culture, and tourism. Many expressed a newfound eagerness to visit China and experience its attractions firsthand, anticipating more cultural and tourism exchange events in the future.