UN Tourism’s China Visit Reinforces Global Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism Growth
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism’s leadership recently wrapped up a significant visit to China, during which Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili engaged with top government and industry figures to reinforce strategic partnerships and promote sustainable tourism initiatives. The visit highlighted China’s role in digital transformation and sustainable development within the tourism sector, while also supporting China’s Global Development Initiative and the vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. Key discussions took place in Shanghai, Hainan, and during the Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025, along with strengthened ties with private sector leaders such as Trip.com Group and the Global Tourism Economy Forum. This high-profile trip underscores UN Tourism’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships and innovative strategies to advance the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 2025-Mar-28 — /Travel PR News/ — UN Tourism’s leadership recently concluded a landmark visit to China, solidifying strategic partnerships and advancing initiatives for sustainable tourism across key regions. During this high-profile tour, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with top government officials, industry leaders, and international development agencies to deepen collaboration with China. This visit marked a milestone in UN Tourism’s ongoing partnership with China, reflecting a mutual commitment to drive sustainable tourism and foster economic progress on a global scale.
Secretary-General Pololikashvili emphasized China’s pivotal role as both a major source market and a premier destination, noting that the nation is at the forefront of digital transformation in tourism while contributing to international sustainable development. Throughout his itinerary, the Secretary-General reiterated UN Tourism’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, echoing President Xi Jinping’s call for global solidarity. In discussions with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and regional officials in Shanghai, Hainan, and beyond, Pololikashvili outlined plans for future collaborations on government-funded projects designed to bolster sustainable tourism and development across UN Tourism Member States.
In Shanghai, meetings with senior officials, including Chen Jining of the CPC, reinforced commitments to regional tourism development, focusing on digital transformation, sustainable growth, and new investment opportunities. The delegation also enhanced ties with the private sector by visiting the headquarters of Trip.com Group, where dialogues centered on leveraging digital innovation and technology integration to support sustainable travel practices. In Hainan Province, productive exchanges with the Governor, Vice Governor, and culture and tourism leaders underscored the importance of building strong partnerships with China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Additionally, participation in the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 highlighted tourism’s crucial role in driving regional economic cooperation and sustainable development.
Further strengthening global collaboration, the Secretary-General met with Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, to discuss strategic cooperation and preparations for the 2025 forum. These engagements collectively underscore UN Tourism’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven framework that aligns with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
UN Tourism Communications
comm@unwto.org
SOURCE: UN Tourism
