On 13 November 2020, the Third World Tourism Alliance (WTA)·Xianghu Dialogue kicked off in the paradise city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Mr. Zhang Xu, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of China, Mr. Zhang Zexi, Deputy Chairman of Zhejiang Committee of the CPPCC, Mr. Myo Thant Pe, Myanmar’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Thai Ambassador to China, Mr. Rafael Dezcllar Mazarredo, Spanish Ambassador to China, Mr. Duan Qiang, Chairman of WTA, Ms. Tong Guili, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of Hangzhou, Mr. Liu Shijun, Secretary-General of WTA and representatives from diplomatic missions, tourism authorities, international organizations, think tanks and media attended the dialogue. Mr. Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) attended the opening session and relevant dialogue activities.

 

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expressed his congratulations on the opening of the event in a video message. 

Deputy Minister Zhang Xu spoke highly of the WTA·Xianghu

 

Dialogue being organised as scheduled and gave his congratulations. He hoped that representatives from all sectors could share their valuable information and insights so as to jointly revitalize and develop tourism industry under the new normal conditions of regular prevention and control measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.      

 

On behalf of WTA, Chairman Duan Qiang expressed his warm welcome to all the participants. He said all the stakeholders of the tourism sector shall show unity and solidarity for sustainable industry growth following the outbreak of COVID-19. WTA is committed to bringing together all the relevant stakeholders of tourism sector for the benefit of our generation and beyond.

Secretary-General Chen Dehai exchanged views with representatives from all sectors on deepening international tourism cooperation. He said that ASEAN and China have joined hands in battling COVID-19 and revitalizing socioeconomic development, and have secured an early victory. ACC will strengthen its partnership with other international organizations including WTA and make unremitting efforts to enhance tourism cooperation between ASEAN and China.

 

    WTA·Xianghu Dialogue 2020 lasted for two days from 13-14 November, featuring a range of topics including global tourism cooperation and management innovation, tourism development trends and tourism education developments with the theme of “Rebuilding Confidence & Embracing the New Normal in Travel and Tourism”.