Boosting Cross-Border Tourism for Enhancing Mutual Learning among Civilizations: 2024 World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development to Be Held

The 2024 World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development (hereinafter referred to as the "Conference") hosted by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) is scheduled to get underway on the afternoon of September 12 at the China National Convention Center. The Conference is a themed event of WTCF and a sub-event of this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), themed "Boosting Cross-Border Tourism for Enhancing Mutual Learning among Civilizations". The purpose of this year's Conference is to strengthen connections and cooperation between the tourist cities around the world in terms of the development of cultural tourism, play a constructive role in the growth of the global tourism industry, and facilitate the recovery and growth of the inbound tourism sector of China.

The Conference will feature a range of sections, including the opening address, a section for releasing research results, signing ceremonies, a special forum on the inbound sector of China, a thematic forum, an inbound tourism trade fair, and a specialized training course featuring inbound tourism organized by WTCF. Approximately 500 guests will attend the Conference, including mayors and deputy mayors of WTCF's member cities from over 40 countries and regions, heads of international organizations, diplomats stationed in China, and the representatives of prominent tourism businesses. The Conference will also feature signing ceremonies for collaborations related to the 2025 WTCF Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and WTCF Europe Tourism Conference. The World Tourism Cities Development Report (2023) is also slated to be released during the conference.

WTCF will also participate in the exhibition area of culture and tourism services of CIFTIS from September 12 to 16, where it will set up a booth to comprehensively present its history and achievements in promoting exchanges between tourist cities, enhancing collaboration among its members, facilitating international tourism investment and financing, etc.

Founded in Beijing, WTCF is the first international tourism organization dedicated to cities. Since its inception, WTCF has diligently focused on building platforms and fostering cooperation. Beginning with 58 members, WTCF has grown to an organization with a total of 246 members from 86 countries and regions, including 164 city members and 82 institutional and associate members, along with 357 committee members across six committees. Over the years, WTCF's appeal, service capabilities, leadership, and influence within the global tourism industry have been growing. It is now reputed as the world's fastest-growing international tourism organization. As one of the most significant conferences of CIFTIS, the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development is now an integrated platform for the global tourism industry, providing opportunities for WTCF's member cities and institutions to deepen collaboration, share insights, build consensus, and collectively foster the growth of the global tourism industry.