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
