SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 19, 2025 - UN Tourism Secretary-General Concludes Historic Visit to China, Boosting Global Travel Cooperation
Reinforcing Strategic Partnerships Across Regions
The UN Tourism Secretary-General’s visit to China marks a milestone in international tourism diplomacy.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, wrapped up a landmark tour through China, spotlighting enhanced cooperation, digital innovation, and shared commitments to sustainable tourism. Engaging with top-tier government officials, private sector leaders, and international development agencies, the visit emphasized China’s pivotal role in the global tourism ecosystem.
Supporting China’s Global Development Initiative
UN Tourism continues to align its mission with China’s vision for global unity and progress.
Pololikashvili reiterated full support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. These frameworks, both introduced by President Xi Jinping, are central to UN Tourism’s objectives in promoting inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable partnerships.
“China stands as one of the world’s true tourism leaders, both as a source market and as a destination in its own right. At both the public and private level, China is leading from the front in the digital transformation of the sector while also supporting it to become a pillar of international sustainable development,” said Secretary-General Pololikashvili.
High-Level Talks in Shanghai and Hainan
Discussions in Shanghai and Hainan strengthened regional commitment to tourism development.
In meetings with senior Shanghai officials including Chen Jining, and Hainan provincial leaders, Pololikashvili emphasized sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and new investment opportunities. The sessions set the tone for robust regional collaborations that align with UN Tourism’s sustainable development vision.
Driving Innovation Through Private Sector Collaboration
UN Tourism deepens ties with Chinese tourism tech leader Trip.com Group.
The Secretary-General’s visit to Trip.com Group headquarters signified a strategic move toward joint innovation. Discussions centered on using technology to enhance travel experiences while maintaining sustainability, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in the sector’s future.
Showcasing Tourism’s Role at the Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025
Tourism takes center stage in regional cooperation and sustainable growth discussions.
While in Hainan, Pololikashvili also participated in the Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025, where he underscored tourism’s contribution to economic cooperation. The engagements solidified tourism’s role as a vital driver in shaping inclusive regional development.
Strengthening Global Tourism Economy Forum Relations
UN Tourism and GTEF affirm long-standing strategic collaboration.
In a meeting with Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), Pololikashvili discussed preparations for the 2025 GTEF and reaffirmed tourism’s importance in driving global economic progress.
To learn more about UN Tourism’s initiatives and partnerships, visit unwto.org.