On 29 May 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) delivered a video message at the opening ceremony of the Theme Events at International Mountain Tourism Day 2023 held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated that, mountains are home to around 1.1 billion people on earth. ASEAN Member States (AMS) and China are both rich in mountain tourism resources and boast popular mountain tourism destinations. The celebration of International Mountain Tourism Day in Lao PDR will raise more public understanding of the socio-economic importance of tourism in mountains and call upon more concerted efforts of stakeholders to develop responsible mountain tourism and build a better future for our homeland. Tourism cooperation is an essential part of ASEAN-China people-to-people exchanges. As an inter-governmental organization jointly established by the governments of 10 AMS and China, the ACC is willing to work closely with parties like the International Mountain Tourism Alliance to brand and promote mountain tourism and better play the important role of tourism in improving people’s well-being and ecological environment, strengthening people-to-people ties, and contributing to the continued building of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

More than 250 representatives from international organizations, members of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, tourism agencies, cultural and tourism enterprises and international media attended the Event and shared constructive and forward-looking reflections for the new stage of mountain tourism innovation and regional development.

The event was co-sponsored by Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR, the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, Pacific Asia Travel Association and Global Tourism Economy Forum. The ACC is one of the supporting partners of the Event.