The World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development 2025, convened by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), concluded successfully at the capital's iconic Shougang International Exhibition & Convention Center. The conference was a cornerstone event of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services.
Under the theme “Smart Tourism for a Win-Win Future,” the conference assembled six hundred delegates from sixty-six nations to forge pathways for collaboration and innovation in the rapidly evolving digital tourism landscape. The conference attracted a distinguished gathering of international leaders. The audience included the Minister of Tourism and Crafts of Guinea-Bissau and the First Vice-Chairman of the Tourism Development Committee of Tajikistan. The event also welcomed mayoral delegations from ten countries, including Italy, Greece, and Malta, and the Ambassadors to China from seven nations, such as Latvia, Barbados, and Tanzania. The proceedings were honored by the presence of the leaders from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the Beijing Municipal Government, and the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
The conference agenda featured dynamic segments such as the inspiring opening that addresses, a high-level mayors' dialogue, and powerful industry leadership insights. A major highlight was the release of two pivotal publications: the “World Tourism Cities Development Report (2024–2025)” and the “World Tourism Destination Competitive Potential Index Report (2025)”, offering valuable data-driven insights into the future of the world tourism.
Delegates immersed themselves by discussing the forces reshaping global tourism, from digital intelligence and AI-driven innovation to cross-border collaboration and next-generation cultural travel experiences. The event served as a powerful nexus for connection, providing a vibrant platform for the global tourism community to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and collectively shape a more resilient and prosperous future for the tourism industry.
Global Leaders Convene to Chart a Sustainable, Digital Future
The global tourism sector is amid a profound transformation. Artificial intelligence and big data are not just enhancing the industry — they are fundamentally restructuring its value chains and redefining its future trajectory. During the conference, many international delegates shared practical experiences and forward-looking strategies from their regions. They unanimously agreed on a tourism development path that emphasizes both digital smartness and sustainability.
During his speech Mr. Secuna Baldé, Minister of Tourism and Crafts of Guinea-Bissau, expressed a strong aspiration to join the World Tourism Cities Federation. The Minister emphasized that this collaboration would provide a vital platform to share expertise, attract international investment, and promote the nation’s distinctive tourism resources. A core commitment to sustainable and responsible development was underscored, with plans to strengthen global cooperation while protecting natural resources and cultural heritage. This approach aims to ensure inclusive growth and mutual benefit through deepened collaboration with cities and organizations worldwide.
Mr. Rustam Kholmatiyon, First Vice-Chairman of the Tourism Development Committee of Tajikistan, shared compelling digital transformation cases from the capital city, Dushanbe. He emphasized how the city is actively advancing nature conservation, community empowerment, and digital innovation. The key initiatives include the development of an online tourism platform, digital mapping systems, and cultural heritage revitalization projects. In his speech, Mr. Kholmatiyon expressed strong interest in deepening investment and cultural cooperation with member cities of the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), highlighting a shared vision for sustainable and tech-driven tourism development.
Mr. Olaf McKay, the Mayor of Valletta, Malta, outlined the city's visionary response to the challenges of rapid tourism growth. He revealed that Valletta has placed digital transformation at the core of its sustainable tourism strategy. By leveraging smart technology solutions, the historic city is not only safeguarding its priceless cultural heritage but also enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors. This forward-thinking approach ensures that growth is inclusive, benefiting the entire community.
In her speech, Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, highlighted digital innovation as the central force driving both the recovery and transformation of the tourism industry. She emphasized that technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G/6G networks, and immersive experiences are profoundly reshaping how tourists engage with destinations and how the sector operates. Ms. Ho also noted that the integration of culture and tourism, along with the development of smart cities, is not only generating significant economic value but also fostering cultural exchange and enhancing urban livability for residents and visitors alike.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
