IMTD 2024丨Zhang Haomiao: China and France join hands to promote the sustainable development of global mountain tourism

On May 29, the "International Mountain Tourism Day (IMTD) 2024" Theme Event was successfully held in Nice, the capital city of the French department of Alpes-Maritimes, France. Representatives of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in France, the French cultural and tourism authorities, representatives of local government, representatives of international organizations, members of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), tourism agencies, tourism enterprises, industry experts, and media gathered together to discuss and revolve around the theme of "Mutual Understanding among People through Mountain Tourism" and the forum theme "Mountain Tourism Destinations Responding to Climate Change". The rich exchange activities highlight and promote the development concept of mutual learning among civilizations, driving innovation in the "Mountain Tourism+" model.

Zhang Haomiao, Director of the Office du Tourisme de Chine delivered a speech.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Hello everyone! It is a great honor to be among you for the 6th International Mountain Tourism Day in 2024. As a partner of this event, the Chinese Tourism Office in Paris is delighted to participate in this unmissable conference held in Nice. As an iconic city of the Côte d'Azur and one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, holding this event in Nice is particularly significant.

Nice, France

Mountain tourism is a vital pillar of the tourism industry. According to statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, mountain tourism accounts for approximately 20% of the global tourism market and is growing year by year. With its immense potential, mountain tourism offers countless visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and engage in personal challenges while bringing prosperity and development to many mountain communities. As the first international organization dedicated to mountain tourism, the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, established in Guizhou, has provided an important platform for China to engage in international cooperation and exchange in the field of tourism and has promoted the sustainable development of mountain tourism.

Chishui Danxia, Guizhou, China 

As the impact of global climate change intensifies, the mountain tourism industry faces unprecedented challenges. China has always prioritized sustainable tourism as a key direction and driving force for promoting high-quality development in the tourism industry. In recent years, renowned mountain tourism destinations such as Zhangjiajie, Huangshan Mountain, and Jiuzhaigou have made significant progress in environmental protection and sustainable development. It is particularly worth mentioning Guizhou, this beautiful mountainous province, which attracts many tourists with its unique karst topography and rich ethnic minority culture. By implementing ecological protection and sustainable development strategies, Guizhou is striving to become an important mountain tourism destination.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China, as well as "China-France Culture and Tourism Year". In 2024, China-France friendship will start a new era, and a new chapter will be opened in the cultural and tourism exchange programs between our two countries. Not long ago, President Macron and Mrs. Brigitte warmly received President Xi Jinping and his wife at the "Shepherd's Station" on the Toulmare Pass in the Pyrenees. President Macron chose this place because he spent part of his childhood there. The Pyrenees' unique and splendid natural landscape, which showcases the region's unique cultural charms, is one of France's sources of pride, and this meeting between the two heads of state in the mountains indirectly builds a bridge for Sino-French cooperation in mountain tourism.

The Pyrenees Mountains on the border between France and Spain

Source: Spain.info

We hope that through more collaborative platforms, such as the platform established by IMTA tody, we can promote international exchanges and cooperation in the field of mountain tourism, share valuable experiences and solutions in protecting mountain resources and addressing climate change, uphold the concept of "tourism without borders," and drive the rapid development of mountain tourism.

It is this spirit of international cooperation that has strengthened the ties between China and France in the field of tourism. Since December 2023, China has implemented a 15-day visa-free policy for French citizens traveling to China for short periods, further facilitating exchanges and visits between the people of our two countries. China boasts a rich cultural heritage, magnificent natural scenery, diverse ethnic groups, and convenient tourism infrastructure. On this occasion, I sincerely invite our French friends to come to China and discover a vibrant, authentic, and complete country.

Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China

Finally, I hope that through the "International Mountain Tourism Day" of IMTA, we can create sustainable, distinctive, and mature tourism products, especially in addressing climate change and the protection of mountain environments, bringing greater well-being to the people of both countries. I believe that China and France can work closely with other countries to explore and implement effective solutions, further promoting the sustainable development of global mountain tourism.

I wish the IMTD Event a complete success! Thank you!

Except for the source image has been annotated

other text and images source: IMTA

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang WenWen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong