On 10 June 2025, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province (DTCRTS), officially launched the 2025 Chinese Language Training and Capacity Building Workshop for ASEAN Member States (AMS) in Haikou, Hainan. The workshop has received near 1,200 participants from nine ASEAN Member States and ASEAN Secretariat, including 21 on-site and 1156 joining virtually, demonstrating the growing demand for ASEAN-China tourism exchanges and collaboration. The Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC and Deputy Director-General He Ping of DTCRTS attended and addressed the Opening and Ms. Heng Scross, Deputy Director-General of the Department of the Tourism Industry Management of the Ministry of Tourism Cambodia spoke on behalf of all AMS participants.

In his opening remarks, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun acknowledged the strong support from both Chinese and ASEAN partners. He emphasized that tourism is an economic driver and a cultural bridge that deepens mutual understanding. He noted that this workshop would give ASEAN tourism professionals the practical language skills and professional insights needed to serve Chinese visitors better and build sustainable, inclusive tourism development in the region.

DTCRTS Deputy Director-General He Ping echoed these sentiments, highlighting Hainan Province’s pivotal role as China’s tourism gateway to Southeast Asia. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to fostering international cooperation through educational exchanges, talent development and tourism innovation in the ASEAN-China region and beyond.

Over the coming four days, participants will receive training in basic Chinese, Chinese tourist preferences, digital tourism, AI applications and best practices in tourism-driven poverty reduction. Field visits and exchanges with local tourism professionals will further deepen participants’ understanding of China’s tourism industry. Designed to empower ASEAN tourism professionals, the Workshop aims to improve Chinese language proficiency, strengthen professional tourism competencies, reinforce ASEAN-China tourism ties and supporting sustainable regional growth.