Ambassadors' View on Tourism: "Revitalizing World Tourism and Jointly Creating a Bright Future"

Special Forum: Ambassadors' View on Tourism

On 3 September 2021, WTCF Beijing Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit & World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development opened at China National Convention Center in Beijing, with the theme of "Revitalizing World Tourism and Energizing City Development". It was organized by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality together with the world’s major international organizations and tourism institutions. 

CCTV-CGTN host Tian Wei moderates the Special Forum: Ambassadors' View on Tourism

The Special Forum: Ambassadors' View on Tourism of the event was themed on "Revitalizing World Tourism and Jointly Creating a Bright Future". Eight senior diplomats of countries where WTCF member cities are located, including Colombia, Jordan, Kenya, Mozambique, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe and Spain, had an in-depth discussion on global tourism recovery strategies amidst the pandemic as well as shared successful experience of jointly fighting against the pandemic and promoting tourism recovery and development. The efforts from all sides will be conducive to facilitate the future development of world tourism. CCTV-CGTN host Tian Wei moderated the Special Forum: Ambassadors' View on Tourism.

Promoting Vaccination and Domestic Tourism, Taking Various Measures to Stimulate Global Tourism Revitalization

Under the new normal of pandemic prevention and control, tourism recovery and development require all countries to work together and implement effective policies. At the forum, international participants readily shared their countries' experience and policies of supporting tourism transformation and innovation, enhancing tourism safety, and boosting international cooperation.

H.E. Maria Gustava, Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique to China, noted that Mozambique boasts rich tourism and culture resources. In 2019, tourism accounted for 5% of the nation's GDP. However, the abrupt pandemic caused the ratio to decrease to 1.3% in 2020. In order to promote tourism economy, Mozambique has been vigorously developing domestic tourism, publicizing COVID-19 vaccines, promoting safety certificates and encouraging overseas tourists to visit the country.  

H.E. Maria Gustava, Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique to China

H.E. Sarah J.C Serem, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to China, showed strong confidence in tourism recovery and development. Tourism is Kenya's biggest economic sector, and the number of tourism workers reaches 2 million. While focusing on the transformation from international tourism to domestic tourism, Kenya provides supportive funds for tourism development, launches promotion projects, and encourages tourism by offering tourism subsidies. Besides, the transformation and recovery of Kenya's tourism are effectively boosted by the application of digital platforms, the Internet and social media, promotions based on community medias, as well as vaccination covering vast areas. 

H.E. Sarah J.C Serem, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to China

H.E. Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to China, believed the event was highly relevant at present. As the globe is trying to boost tourism recovery and revitalization, the key is what we can do. He pointed out that global tourism is an ecosystem and its safety requires us to repackage tourism products and services. Innovation and new technologies should play a more prominent role in building smart tourism. Pakistan has, through coordination at the country level, offered plenty of preferential policies, promoted innovation in online visas, and enhanced cooperation with international partners, in order to support the recovery and development of tourism, a pillar industry of the country.

H.E. Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to China, speaks at the forum

As an international air transport hub, the United Arab Emirates has been vigorously promoting COVID-19 vaccination, the rate of which has already reached 80% nationwide. With less than 30 days to go until the World Expo 2020 to be launched in Dubai on 1 October, H.E. Ali Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China, fully believes that the Expo will be unprecedented. It will attract over 191 participating nations and 25 million visitors from around the globe.

H.E. Ali Al Dhaheri, (middle) Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China speaks at the forum.

Jordan plays an irreplaceable role in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, and it has taken the lead in promoting tourism cooperation. H.E. Hussam Al Husseini, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to China, noted that the pandemic has dealt a serious blow to Jordan. At this time, innovative and smart concepts offer the only way out. Jordan hopes to create a safe corridor and will vigorously promote vaccination for the quick recovery of its featured sector as well as economic revitalization.

H.E. Hussam Al Husseini, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to China speaks at the forum.

H.E. Martin Chedondo, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to China, believes vaccination is of great significance. Currently, Zimbabwe's major tourism cities have stopped the quarantine of vaccinated tourists with negative COVID-19 tests. He hopes that international coordination and cooperation will facilitate vaccination and help tourism recover to the pre-pandemic level.

H.E. Martin Chedondo, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to China speaks at the forum

Colombia has taken a series of measures at the same time to enhance tourism revitalization. H.E. Luis Diego Monsalve Hoyos, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to China, noted that changes in travel laws and regulations, tax reduction, energy saving, and an increasing rate of vaccination have contributed to the remarkable rebound in the number of international conferences and tourists in Colombia. The tourism sector is primed for a steady recovery.

H.E. Luis Diego Monsalve Hoyos, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to China speaks at the forum

Mentioning the recovery and development of tourism, Hon. Jorge Romeu, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in China, stated that Spain has reacted in time and supported independent travel involving small groups in low-density areas. Improved public security mechanisms, widespread vaccination and application of innovative technologies have attracted a growing number of international tourists, especially Chinese tourists.

Hon. Jorge Romeu, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in China speaks at the forum

Deepening International Cooperation, Enhancing Safe Travel and Jointly Creating a Bright Future for Global Tourism　

The participating ambassadors also offered their insight into future cooperation of world tourism cities.

H.E. Luis Diego Monsalve Hoyos suggested that WTCF, as an international tourism organization, can lead tourism departments of countries in formulating and promoting standards on world tourism visas and vaccination certificates.

H.E. Sarah J.C Serem and H.E. Maria Gustava advocated making full use of the platform offered by WTCF, promoting ecotourism and best practices so that tourists can enjoy their stay in a safe environment. H.E. Maria Gustava noted: "Safety is the priority. We should help all suitable for vaccination get the doses and make vaccines easily available and affordable".　

H.E. Moin ul Haque suggested establishing a clear, transparent and easy-to-follow regulatory framework to promote safe international travel. H.E. Hussam Al Husseini pointed out that tourism development is not only about competition but also about mutual help and support. Countries should help each other develop virtual tourism supported by smart technologies to promote safe travel.

H.E. Martin Chedondo hoped that more comprehensive tourism products will be developed to offer tourists more enjoyable experiences. Hon. Jorge Romeu advocated for stronger partnerships involving all stakeholders as well as investment in tourism. "Digital investment is of great significance in this regard."

Group Photo of Participating Ambassadors

WTCF, as an organizer of the event, was initiated by Beijing in 2012. It is the world's first international tourism organization centered on cities. Adhering to the core concept of "Better City Life through Tourism", it is committed to building great platforms for its members to share experience, deepen cooperation and enhance consensus.