Poverty alleviation, development and peace through tourism

Speech by WTA Chairman Mr. Duan Qiang at the Xianghu Dialogue

It is my pleasure to meet with you all in Hangzhou City. As well, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our distinguished guests, members and friends of the World Tourism Alliance who are here with us today. I would also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Zhejiang Province People’s Government, Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government and members of the World Tourism Alliance.

I’d like to express my special thanks to the People’s Government of Xiaoshan District in Hangzhou City for all their efforts in making this Xianghu Dialogue possible.

We have come to the beautiful city of Hangzhou to share the latest developments and trends in our collective poverty-alleviation effort through tourism. Together, we look forward to the bright future of tourism development.

As the importance and impact of the tourism industry on the global economy and socio-economic progress increases, its role has moved to the center stage in the fight against poverty. Aptly enough, our theme of Poverty Alleviation and Development—Shared Responsibilities of the World Tourism Communityfocuseson important topics covering poverty alleviation, growth, innovation and development.

We are gathered here today to discuss the mission and vision of tourism development from the perspective of the World Tourism Alliance. It is our hope that through this event we can engage in a constructive exchange of ideas and experiences that will provide us a clear path toward poverty alleviation, development and peace through tourism.

On Sept. 12, 2017, over 1,000 distinguished guests from 137 countries and regions witnessed the founding of the World Tourism Alliance at the 22nd General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization in Chengdu City, China.

Today, we’re two days away from our one-year anniversary. We’d like to express our sincere appreciation for your help and support that has led us this far and has helped us accomplish significant milestones in our young history. In the past year, the World Tourism Alliance has successfully completed all major tasks, producing tangible results. Yesterday, we held the WTA Council and Annual Meeting, audited and approved a series of important documents and promulgated important tasks that will carry us past the initial stage and on to the next.

We have received solid support from the representatives of WTA members. As Chairman of the World Tourism Alliance, I hope that we will continue to receive your support and commitment to the development of WTA and promote the participation of the global tourism industry for the benefit of humankind.

A Chinese proverb states: “Up in heaven, there is paradise; down on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Hangzhou’s stunning sceneries can be rightly likened to a paradise on earth. It boasts of spectacular mountains and crystal clear waters, infused with an irresistible charm.

For thousands of years, Hangzhou’s rich history, fascinating culture and breathtaking iconic centuries-old natural attractions such as the West Lake and Grand Canal have spawned legends and inspired scholars and poets such as Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo.

More importantly, Hangzhou has contributed to the development of the World Tourism Alliance as the location for its headquarters. Hence, today I am honored to announce that the 2019 Annual Meeting of WTA, WTA Council and the Xianghu Dialogue will take place in Hangzhou in October 2019.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the World Tourism Alliance joins hands with the global tourism industry in upholding the noble vision of “Better Tourism, Better World, Better Life.” It affirms its active participation in global tourism governance and commits to providing an efficient and effective platform for governments, trade associations, businesses and cities to come together to promote sustainable tourism development.

Lastly, I’d like to offer my sincerest congratulations for the success of this year’s Xianghu Dialogue and my best wishes for your own success and happiness.