WTA Chair Mr. ZHANG Xu Attends the 14th Anhui International Culture and Tourism Festival

On September 10, the 14th Anhui International Culture and Tourism Festival opened in Hefei, with Liang Yanshun, CPC Committee Secretary of Anhui, delivering the opening speech and declaring the event officially launched. The ceremony was presided over by WANG Qingxian, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Governor of Anhui. Mr. ZHANG Xu, Chair of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), was invited to the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Ambassador ZHU Shanzhong read a congratulatory letter on behalf of Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, while Ms. Pansy HO, Vice Chair & Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, addressed the audience via video.

In his speech, Mr. ZHANG Xu highlighted the strong momentum that China’s tourism industry in driving the global tourism recovery post-pandemic. He emphasized that this momentum would only strengthen in the future, further driving the high-quality development of global tourism. He also recognized the significant role Anhui Province has placed on tourism in recent years, with the province making it a top priority to build a high-quality tourism industry through a series of pragmatic policies and action plans. Mr. ZHANG Xu expressed the WTA’s honor in witnessing and participating in Anhui’s high-quality tourism development, particularly in the creation of the “Greater Huangshan” brand. He affirmed the WTA’s readiness to support Anhui’s cultural and tourism industry by leveraging its international network to enhance the global appeal and influence of Anhui’s tourism brand. The WTA is committed to helping Anhui, including the Greater Huangshan area, connect with the world.

The 14th Anhui International Culture and Tourism Festival, hosted by the People’s Government of Anhui Province, invited representatives from 51 countries and regions, including embassies and consulates in China, domestic and international travel agencies, investors, and key tourism source cities abroad. International tourism organizations and cultural and tourism departments from domestic tourism source cities also participated, making this a truly global event.