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Zurab Pololikashvili Concludes Landmark Visit to China, Strengthening Global Tourism Cooperation
The
visit by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili featured engagements with
senior government officials, industry leaders, and international development
agencies, further deepening UN Tourism’s collaboration with China.
The
visit marks a milestone in UN Tourism’s partnership with China, underscoring
the shared vision of advancing sustainable tourism and economic progress
worldwide.
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
Throughout
the visit, 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. In line with President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on global
solidarity, UN Tourism remains committed to fostering inclusive, innovative,
and partnership-driven frameworks that align with the UN 2030 Sustainable
Development Goals.
The
Secretary-General engaged with the China International Development Cooperation
Agency (CIDCA) to explore future collaboration on Chinese Government-funded
projects that aim to support UN Tourism Member States, focusing on sustainable
development and tourism-related initiatives. In all three bilateral meetings
with Shanghai, Hainan, and CIDCA, the Secretary-General highlighted the
significance of GDI and the Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, both
proposed by President Xi Jinping. UN Tourism strongly recognizes GDI’s vital
role in promoting inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven frameworks that
support the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General echoed
President Xi Jinping’s belief that “solidarity is strength, but division leads
nowhere”, emphasizing that global cooperation leads to shared success and
sustainable development.
Strengthening
High-Level Engagements
During
meetings with senior 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 commitment to regional tourism development. Discussions emphasized
sustainable tourism growth, digital transformation, and investment
opportunities, setting a strong foundation for future cooperation.
Strategic
Partnership with Trip.com Group
As
well as engaging public sector leaders, the UN Tourism delegation also
strengthened ties with the private sector in China, recognizing the key role of
enterprise in growing and transforming the sector at every level.
A
visit to Trip.com Group headquarters marked a significant step toward enhancing
collaboration in the travel and tourism sector. Discussions focused on
leveraging digital innovation, technology integration, and sustainable travel
practices, aligning with UN Tourism’s global goals.
Engagements
in Hainan Province and Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025
In
Hainan Province, the Secretary-General held productive discussions with the
Governor, Vice Governor, and senior officials from the Hainan Provincial
Department of Culture and Tourism. The engagements underscored the importance
of fostering partnerships between UN Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and
Tourism of China. The Secretary-General also participated in the Bo’ao Forum
for Asia Annual Conference 2025, highlighting the vital role of tourism in
regional economic cooperation and sustainable development.
Strengthening
Ties with the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF)
The
Secretary-General met with Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of
GTEF and UN Tourism Ambassador, to discuss ongoing strategic cooperation and
preparations for the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum. The dialogue reinforced
the critical role of tourism in driving global economic growth and
collaboration.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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