ASEAN-China Tourism Forum Successfully Held in Guilin

The ASEAN-China Tourism Forum was successfully held on 26 October 2018 in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Forum was co-organized by ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and China Tourism Academy with the theme of “Technology and Innovation Contributing to Sustainable Tourism Development”. Mr. Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of ACC, Mr. Zhong Lin, Vice-Chairman of Guilin Committee of CPPCC. Mr. Thit Linn Ohn, Ambassador of the Republic the Union of Myanmar in China, attended the Forum. More than 80 participants were present, including the representatives from the ASEAN diplomatic missions in China, experts and representatives from the tourism industries and media.

Secretary-General Chen Dehai mentioned in his remarks that tourism cooperation has always been a vibrant part of ASEAN-China relations. Sustainable tourism development is one of the key priorities for tourism growth and economic development. Technology and innovation helps to overcome difficulties that may occur in the transformation and upgrading of tourism industry. This Forum echoes the emerging role of technology in making the tourist destinations more competitive, raising the significance of innovation in managing and promoting tourism products.ACC hoped that the Forum could serve as a channel to promote tourism innovation and further promote sustainable development of tourism.

Mr. Zhong Lin briefed on the current situation and achievements of tourism development of Guilin. He hoped that this Forum would further promote the tourism transformation.

Ms. Tang Xiaoyun, the Chief Statistician of China Tourism Academy said that high-quality innovation is the fundamental driving force of tourism development.

Mr. Zhao Kuan, Post-doctorate of China Tourism Academy and Secretary-General of Sanya Tourism Association made a keynote speech titled “China-ASEAN Tourism Cooperation: Situation Evaluation and Strategic Outlook”.

In the panel discussion session, experts from the tourism industry, scholars, and representatives from the ASEAN embassies in China shared their experiences and views on technology and innovation in promoting ASEAN-China tourism cooperation and sustainable tourism development.