The 2024 World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development, a key forum during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), was held in Beijing on Thursday, drawing over 400 representatives from 45 countries and regions to discuss international tourism cooperation.
Participants at the meeting highlighted that cultural tourism is emerging as a global growth trend, and China has become the largest source of international tourists as well as a key global destination.
The country continues to introduce a series of measures to enhance the travel experience for foreign visitors, providing a strong boost to the global tourism industry.
International attendees highlighted China's appeal in this regard due to its standing as one of the world's oldest civilizations.
"Actually, I do think that you have a great opportunity here. Your culture is so huge. That heritage that's shared by European countries, from our perspective, in China that heritage is longstanding," said Miodrag Popovic, director of the Tourist Organization of the City of Belgrade.
The conference also released several research findings, including the rankings of the development of world tourism cities in 2023.
According to the report, global tourism revenue in 2023 jumped 21.5 percent year on year, nearly on par with pre-pandemic levels, with the recovery of the tourism sector gathering pace.
In the 2023 global ranking of tourism cities, Beijing and Shanghai ranked 8th and 10th, respectively.
World tourism conference in Beijing spotlights int'l tourism cooperation
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
