Editor's note: On September 15, the "International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference and Dialogue among World Famous Mountains 2023" opened in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province. Gathering over 200 participants, including IMTA members, renowned international organizations, relevant national cultural and tourism departments, leaders and officials from Guizhou Province, professional tourism organizations and enterprises, world-famous mountain and mountain tourism destination institutions, media and other esteemed guests. The conference was themed with "Mountain Tourism Resource Innovation and Destination Construction." Simultaneously, the Dialogue among World Famous Mountains explored the theme "World Famous Mountains Empower the Wellness of Mountain Tourism." Discussions revolved around cutting-edge strategies for mountain resource protection, innovative utilization, and development, fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.

At the “Dialogue among World Famous Mountains 2023,” Charles Davidson, Vice Chairman of the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy (FEMTEC) and Chairman of the Hot Springs Initiative of Global Wellness Institute (GWI), delivered a keynote speech.

The following is the full text of the speech:

I am honored to share with you, on behalf of FEMTEC and GWI, that to me, wellness embodies a sense of relaxation and happiness. It allows us to be ourselves truly, connect with one another, and embrace the beauty of nature.

We provide a gateway to nature at Maruia Hot Springs in New Zealand. Visitors can immerse themselves in a natural hot spring experience, feeling the contrast of warmth and coolness in our pools. This unique experience greatly benefits blood circulation and provides an instant refreshing sensation.

At the ice and fire bath in Seinäjoki, sourced from nearby mountain rivers, we offer mud therapy, a long-standing tradition in hot spring wellness. The therapeutic benefits of rocks and mud promote good health, and our guests can enjoy an entertaining and unique experience by indulging in the playful activity of painting each other with clay.

At Peninsula Hot Springs, we offer a plethora of facilities for our tourists to enjoy an exceptional outdoor experience. We integrate musical performances, educational initiatives, cultural and creative projects, as well as various multicultural activities into our community offerings. This unique blend is what sets our hot springs apart, allowing visitors to slow down, immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, and truly savor the picturesque views.

A hot spring tour not only provides tourists with a memorable experience but also helps them forge connections with the local community even after the tour concludes. Simultaneously, the community hosting the hot springs gains new local resources and features. Examples can be seen in places like Colorado, USA, and Victoria, Australia, where hot spring tours have been developed with diverse elements. These tours offer tourists a richer and more immersive experience, connecting them with local communities and contributing significantly to the local economic and social development.

In any emerging industry or field, talent plays a pivotal role in its growth. In the hot spring industry, we not only create jobs but also enhance people’s happiness both in their workplace and personal lives. As part of our commitment to fostering talent and knowledge, we have sponsored two doctoral research projects. One is being conducted at the University of Victoria, focusing on how hot springs influence society and the environment. This project delves into the key factors shaping community environments and economic growth to offer valuable insights for local communities. The second project is collaborating with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, examining how hot springs affect our sleep patterns and mental health. This research holds significant relevance to our daily lives. Both projects are expected to be completed in early 2024.

Last, I want to emphasize the critical importance of the natural environment to hot springs. In 1997, Peninsula Hot Springs was nothing more than a wasteland. However, dedicated efforts have transformed it into a heaven of natural experiences. Our mission is to create a mountain hot spring world. Just like oceans and deserts, mountains are a precious natural resource that demands our love, respect, and gratitude. It all begins with appreciating and preserving the beauty of hot springs.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong