Friday, March 28, 2025
UN Tourism’s leadership has wrapped up a significant visit to China, strengthening key partnerships and promoting sustainable tourism efforts across vital areas. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili led the visit, engaging with top government officials, industry experts, and global development organizations, further enhancing UN Tourism’s ties with China.
This visit represents a major achievement in the ongoing partnership between UN Tourism and China, highlighting their mutual commitment to fostering sustainable tourism and driving global economic growth.
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.”
Promoting the Global Development Initiative:
During the visit, the Secretary-General reaffirmed UN Tourism’s endorsement of China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the concept of a Shared Future for Humanity. Reflecting President Xi Jinping’s focus on global unity, UN Tourism continues to prioritize the creation of inclusive, innovative, and collaborative frameworks that support the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Secretary-General held discussions with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to explore potential partnerships on projects funded by the Chinese Government aimed at supporting UN Tourism Member States. These projects focus on sustainable development and tourism initiatives. Throughout three bilateral meetings with Shanghai, Hainan, and CIDCA, the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, both proposed by President Xi Jinping. UN Tourism recognizes the critical role GDI plays in fostering inclusive, innovative, and collaborative frameworks that align with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General reiterated President Xi’s statement that “solidarity is strength, but division leads nowhere,” underscoring the significance of global cooperation for mutual success and sustainable development.
Enhancing High-Level Engagements
During discussions with top officials in Shanghai, including Chen Jining, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to regional tourism development. These talks focused on promoting sustainable tourism, advancing digital transformation, and exploring investment opportunities, laying a solid foundation for future partnerships.
Strategic Collaboration with Trip.com Group
In addition to engaging with government officials, the UN Tourism delegation also strengthened its ties with China’s private sector, acknowledging the crucial role of enterprises in transforming and expanding the tourism sector. A visit to the Trip.com Group headquarters marked an important step in bolstering collaboration within the travel and tourism industry. The discussions centered on leveraging digital innovation, integrating technology, and promoting sustainable travel practices, all of which align with UN Tourism’s global objectives.
Engagements in Hainan Province and the Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025
In Hainan Province, the Secretary-General held meaningful talks with the Governor, Vice Governor, and senior leaders from the Hainan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. These discussions highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships between UN Tourism and China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Secretary-General also took part in the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, emphasizing the key role of tourism in fostering regional economic cooperation and supporting sustainable development.
Building Stronger Ties with the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF)
The Secretary-General met with Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) and UN Tourism Ambassador, to review ongoing strategic partnerships and preparations for the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum. The dialogue reaffirmed tourism’s vital role in driving global economic growth and fostering international collaboration.
