On 8 September 2017, China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo 2017 (hereinafter, “Expo”) was grandly opened in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The Expo was hosted by Guangdong Provincial Tourism Administration and lasted to 10 September. By setting up 8 Theme Pavilions, including the Chinese All-round Tourism Pavilion and the Belt and Road International Tourism Hall, and 4,500 standard booths, the Expo has brought together visitors from 55 countries and regions all over the world.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Deng Haiguang, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and Ms. Lin Ping, Deputy Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand delivered opening remarks respectively. In his remarks, Vice Governor Deng Haiguang highlighted that Guangdong has become one of the most important tourist sources, destinations and industrial centers of China and Asia-Pacific region at large. The Expo has been successfully held for 6 consecutive years since 2011 and as this year marks the “China-ASEAN Year of Tourism Cooperation”, the Expo is privileged to have Thailand as the guest of honour. He also hoped that with the platform of the Expo, Guangdong could form closer partnerships with countries and regions all around the globe so as to intensify tourism trade and cooperation, and achieve win-win development. Ms. Lin Ping expressed great appreciation to the Chinese government, tour agents in China and the Chinese people for their support to the tourism of Thailand and expected to receive 9.5 million Chinese tourists at the end of 2017. The Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to launch the “Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018” campaign next year which aims to bring in more quality tourists.

In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN and promote ASEAN-China tourism cooperation, ASEAN-China Center organized China (Guangdong)-ASEAN Tourism Photo Exhibition during the Expo. The Exhibition, which received great support from China National Travel and Guangdong Young Photographers Association, demonstrated nearly 60 excellent photos reflecting the abundant tourism resources of the ten ASEAN countries and Guangdong province. Vice Governor Deng Haiguang, H.E. Soegeng Rahardjo, Chairman of ASEAN Committee in Beijing and Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to China and other guests visited the Exhibition. On behalf of ASEAN-China Centre, Ms. Huang Ying, Director of General Affairs and Coordination, attended the opening ceremony of the Expo and exchanged views with the guests from ASEAN countries and China.?