On September 11th, the World Tourism Cities Federation successfully convened the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development 2025 at Beijing’s Shougang Park. Centered on the theme “Smart Tourism for a Win-Win Future”, the event brought together more than six hundred delegates from sixty-six countries to discuss pathways for global tourism recovery and future trends. The conference also featured the release of two significant reports the “World Tourism Cities Development Report (2024-2025)” and the “World Tourism Destination Potential Competitive Index Report (2025)” delivering forward-looking analysis and strategic guidance for tourism policy, urban development, and investment worldwide.
Since 2014, the World Tourism Cities Federation has annually published the “World Tourism Cities Development Report”, establishing a scientific evaluation framework that serves as a key reference for urban tourism development globally. The newly introduced “World Tourism Destination Competitive Potential Index Report (2025)” further broadens the analytical scope by emphasizing future growth potential.
Together, these reports offer a comprehensive strategic guide for tourism decision-makers worldwide, delivering not only current insights but also foresight into emerging trends. They provide robust support for the recovery and transformation of the global tourism sector. As the industry steps into a new phase powered by digitalization, green development, and cultural integration, these publications also outline a clear path for Beijing and other Chinese cities to enhance their international tourism competitiveness.
World Tourism Destination Competitive Potential Index (2025): Beijing Ranks Top Five Worldwide, Powered by Culture and Innovation
A major highlight of the conference was the joint release by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) of the “World Tourism Destination Competitive Potential Index Report (2025)”. This visionary publication identifies and examines future "high-potential tourism cities", focusing specifically on the transition from latent resources to tangible competitive advantages.
Introducing the pioneering framework of "cities with competitive potential," the study establishes a comprehensive evaluation system across ten multidimensional indicators, specifically designed to assess emerging global destinations. More than just an analytical tool, the report provides actionable strategic guidance and clear implementation pathways for urban tourism development, already generating considerable discourse and engagement among international tourism stakeholders.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
