Editor's Note: On November 11, the International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports (MTOS) 2025 commenced in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. With the continued theme "Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports Presents a High Quality Life," this year's Conference featured a series of events including the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference 2025, the International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference 2025, a Field Trip to Guizhou Mountain Tourism Destinations, and the Bank of Guizhou·Mountain Culture, Tourism and Outdoor Sport Equipment Exhibition. Over 350 participants gathered, including representatives from international organizations, government and tourism departments of relevant countries, diplomatic missions in China, tourism-related enterprises, mountain tourism destination management agencies, experts, scholars, and media from more than 30 countries and regions. They explored new pathways for the integrated development of "Mountain Tourism +", shared new achievements in mountain tourism development, and worked together to build a prosperous new future for mountain tourism. Mansour Chaya, Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon in China Chargé d’ Affaires a.i., delivered the opening address for the Conference.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Excellencies, distinguished guests, honorable representatives of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honor to be here today, representing the Republic of Lebanon, at the International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference 2025.

Allow me at the outset to express my deepest appreciation to the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, our gracious host and organizer, for bringing us together for this important global gathering.

I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Guizhou Provincial Sports Bureau, the Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, and the Guiyang Municipal People’s Government for their invaluable support and warm hospitality in organizing this remarkable event.

This year’s theme — “Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports: A High-Quality Life” — beautifully captures the essence of what we all strive for: a world where tourism is not only an engine of economic growth, but also a bridge of understanding, a guardian of cultural identity, and a force for harmony between humanity and nature.

We also wish to pay tribute to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and in particular to His Excellency President Xi Jinping, for his visionary leadership in promoting global cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity through initiatives such as this one. President Xi’s commitment to openness, cooperation, and shared prosperity continues to inspire many nations, including Lebanon.

Lebanon, the ruins of Baalbek, Image: pexels@Boris Ulzibat

Guizhou stands today as a living example of that vision — a province that has successfully transformed its majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage into a model of eco-friendly and inclusive development. Its commitment to green innovation, ethnic diversity, and community-based tourism is not only admirable but serves as an inspiration for mountain regions around the world.

Lebanon, much like Guizhou, is a land of mountains and civilizations. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Lebanon to the timeless Cedars Forests, our natural treasures reflect both our ancient history and our modern commitment to sustainability.

In the spirit of friendship and in pursuit of stronger bilateral ties between our two countries, I am particularly pleased to announce that we are looking forward to initiating our first collaboration agreement with Guizhou Province. This collaboration — which we aim to elevate to the level of a genuine partnership — will serve as a bridge between our two mountainous regions, built upon shared values of conservation, education, and sustainable tourism.

Scenery along the Zangke River in Guizhou

Through this partnership, we envision joint programs for expertise exchange, enabling specialists in biodiversity management, eco-tourism planning, and sustainable forestry from both countries to share their knowledge and innovations.

We also look forward to training programs for rangers, guides, and conservation personnel, which could be jointly organized under the auspices of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance to strengthen professional capacity and foster deeper networks of cooperation.

Beyond this, we propose the mutual promotion of Guizhou’s magnificent mountain reserves and Lebanon’s Shouf Cedar Reserve as exemplary eco-tourism destinations — through cultural festivals, exhibitions, and tourism campaigns that highlight the natural beauty and cultural depth of both regions. Together, we can develop cross-promotional initiatives within the Belt and Road framework that encourage responsible travel and enhance mutual understanding between our peoples.

The Shouf Cedar Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, has become a national model for environmental conservation and eco-tourism, balancing biodiversity protection with community empowerment and cultural heritage preservation.

We also aim to collaborate on scientific research, reforestation, and carbon-offset initiatives, aligning our shared efforts with global climate and sustainability goals, and demonstrating how China and Lebanon can work hand in hand to preserve mountain ecosystems for generations to come.

Mount Jof in Lebanon, Image: @jubranelias

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me also to extend my sincere thanks to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Lebanon, whose dedication and excellent cooperation at all levels have greatly strengthened the friendship and mutual understanding between our two countries. Their continuous support for cultural initiatives, people-to-people exchanges, and sustainable development has been invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Finally, I would like once again to thank our gracious hosts — the Government and people of Guizhou Province — for their hospitality and their leadership in eco-friendly tourism, as well as the International Mountain Tourism Alliance for creating this inspiring platform for dialogue and collaboration.

Let us continue to work together — for our mountains, for our cultures, and for a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous world.

Image and text source: IMTA

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong