U.S.-China Study Travel Dialogue Successfully Held in Hangzhou

Hangzhou – During the 2025 WTA • Xianghu Dialogue, the U.S.-China Study Travel Dialogue was successfully convened with the support of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) and was joint organization by the American Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) and the China National Tourist Office, New York. Mr. ZHENG Hao, WTA Vice Chair and Secretary-General, delivered the opening speech, while Mr. Brent Imrie, President of SYTA, and Ms. Carylann Assante, CEO of SYTA, gave keynote addresses and closing remarks.

In his speech, Mr. ZHENG Hao highlighted the complementary advantages between China and the United States in the field of study travel. China boasts rich cultural resources and immense market potential, while the U.S. has accumulated extensive experience in curriculum design, service concepts, and international operations. He emphasized the WTA’s commitment to leveraging its influence and resources to advance U.S.-China study travel collaboration, aiming to enrich and elevate the experiences available to young people in both countries and take bilateral cooperation to new heights.

Mr. Imrie elaborated on the positive role that study travel plays in shaping young people’s lives, fostering their sense of citizenship, and sparking their curiosity. Ms. Assante analyzed similarities and differences between the study travel industries in both countries, expressing strong confidence and optimism for future U.S.- China collaboration in this field.

Held under the theme "Study Travel through a Cross-Cultural Lens: Dialogue Between Chinese and U.S. Youth and Industry Innovation", the dialogue brought together nearly 80 participants. These included representatives from 32 study travel organizations across 15 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, alongside delegates from 17 SYTA member organizations based in the United States, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Discussions focused on key topics such as "How study travel helps shape global competencies in youth" and "Technology-Enabled Study Travel: U.S.-China Practices and Future Prospects". The dialogue session was followed by one-on-one B2B Talks between Chinese and international delegates.