UN Tourism Secretary-General Concludes Landmark Visit to China, Strengthening Global Tourism Cooperation

The leadership of UN Tourism has undertaken an important visit to China, aimed at bolstering strategic partnerships and advocating for sustainable tourism initiatives in crucial areas. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with senior government officials, industry leaders, and representatives of international development organizations, reinforcing UN Tourism’s cooperation with China. This visit marks a pivotal moment in UN Tourism’s engagement with China, underscoring a shared dedication to advancing sustainable tourism and fostering global economic progress.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “China stands as one of the world’s true tourism leaders, both as a source market and as a destination in its own right. At both the public and private level, China is leading from the front in the digital transformation of the sector while also supporting it to become a pillar of international sustainable development.”

Advancing the Global Development Initiative

During the visit, the Secretary-General emphasized UN Tourism’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. Reflecting President Xi Jinping’s focus on global solidarity, UN Tourism is dedicated to promoting inclusive, innovative, and partnership-oriented frameworks that are in harmony with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Secretary-General met with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to discuss potential partnerships on government-funded projects by China aimed at assisting UN Tourism Member States, particularly with a focus on sustainable development and tourism initiatives. During three bilateral discussions involving Shanghai, Hainan, and CIDCA, the Secretary-General underscored the importance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, both advocated by President Xi Jinping. UN Tourism acknowledges GDI’s essential role in fostering inclusive, innovative, and partnership-oriented strategies that align with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General reiterated President Xi Jinping’s statement, “solidarity is strength, but division leads nowhere, " stressing that global collaboration paves the way for shared accomplishments and enduring development.

Strengthening High-Level Engagements

In meetings held in Shanghai with senior officials such as Chen Jining, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, the Secretary-General reiterated the dedication to advancing regional tourism. The discussions focused on promoting sustainable tourism growth, embracing digital transformation, and exploring investment opportunities, thereby establishing a solid groundwork for future collaboration.

Strategic Partnership with Trip.com Group

In addition to engaging public sector leaders, the UN Tourism delegation fortified its connections with the private sector in China, acknowledging the vital role enterprises play in the growth and transformation of the sector at all levels.

A visit to the Trip.com Group headquarters represented a major advancement in fostering collaboration within the travel and tourism industry. The discussions emphasized the use of digital innovation, technology integration, and sustainable travel practices, all in alignment with UN Tourism’s global objectives.

Engagements in Hainan Province and Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025

In Hainan Province, the Secretary-General engaged in fruitful discussions with the Governor, Vice Governor, and senior officials from the Hainan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. These meetings emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships between UN Tourism and China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Additionally, the Secretary-General took part in the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, emphasizing tourism's crucial role in regional economic cooperation and sustainable development.

Strengthening Ties with the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF)

The Secretary-General engaged in discussions with Pansy Ho, the Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, as well as the UN Tourism Ambassador, focusing on their ongoing strategic partnership and the upcoming 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum preparations. This conversation highlighted the vital importance of tourism in fostering global economic growth and collaboration.