Tourexpi
Zurab Pololikashvili Concludes Landmark Visit to China, Strengthening Global Tourism Cooperation
The
visit by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili featured engagements with
senior government officials, industry leaders, and international development
agencies, further deepening UN Tourism’s collaboration with China.
The
visit marks a milestone in UN Tourism’s partnership with China, underscoring
the shared vision of advancing sustainable tourism and economic progress
worldwide.
UN
Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “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.”
Advancing
the Global Development Initiative
Throughout
the visit, the Secretary-General reiterated UN Tourism’s support for China’s
Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the vision of a Community with a Shared
Future for Mankind. In line with President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on global
solidarity, UN Tourism remains committed to fostering inclusive, innovative,
and partnership-driven frameworks that align with the UN 2030 Sustainable
Development Goals.
The
Secretary-General engaged with the China International Development Cooperation
Agency (CIDCA) to explore future collaboration on Chinese Government-funded
projects that aim to support UN Tourism Member States, focusing on sustainable
development and tourism-related initiatives. In all three bilateral meetings
with Shanghai, Hainan, and CIDCA, the Secretary-General highlighted the
significance of GDI and the Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, both
proposed by President Xi Jinping. UN Tourism strongly recognizes GDI’s vital
role in promoting inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven frameworks that
support the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General echoed
President Xi Jinping’s belief that “solidarity is strength, but division leads
nowhere”, emphasizing that global cooperation leads to shared success and
sustainable development.
Strengthening
High-Level Engagements
During
meetings with senior officials in Shanghai, including Chen Jining, Member of
the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and
Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, the Secretary-General reaffirmed
the commitment to regional tourism development. Discussions emphasized
sustainable tourism growth, digital transformation, and investment
opportunities, setting a strong foundation for future cooperation.
Strategic
Partnership with Trip.com Group
As
well as engaging public sector leaders, the UN Tourism delegation also
strengthened ties with the private sector in China, recognizing the key role of
enterprise in growing and transforming the sector at every level.
A
visit to Trip.com Group headquarters marked a significant step toward enhancing
collaboration in the travel and tourism sector. Discussions focused on
leveraging digital innovation, technology integration, and sustainable travel
practices, aligning with UN Tourism’s global goals.
Engagements
in Hainan Province and Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025
In
Hainan Province, the Secretary-General held productive discussions with the
Governor, Vice Governor, and senior officials from the Hainan Provincial
Department of Culture and Tourism. The engagements underscored the importance
of fostering partnerships between UN Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and
Tourism of China. The Secretary-General also participated in the Bo’ao Forum
for Asia Annual Conference 2025, highlighting the vital role of tourism in
regional economic cooperation and sustainable development.
Strengthening
Ties with the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF)
The
Secretary-General met with Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of
GTEF and UN Tourism Ambassador, to discuss ongoing strategic cooperation and
preparations for the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum. The dialogue reinforced
the critical role of tourism in driving global economic growth and
collaboration.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
The most interesting news
Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI): Current situation assessed more cautiously - expectation
Dr. Fried & Partner and ITB Berlin publish the results of the Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI) for the second quarter of 2025.
easyJet and easyJet holidays announce 11 new routes and package holidays
easyJet and easyJet holidays have revealed 11 new routes from Newcastle Airport for summer 2026, with thousands of package holidays now on sale today to the range of brand-new destinations.
Emirates forges interline partnership with Bahamasair
Emirates and Bahamasair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an interline partnership benefitting customers travelling to The Bahamas.
Northern Lights meet City Heights: Finnair announces route to Toronto
Set to launch on 4 May 2026, the connection will bridge Finnair’s home hub, Helsinki, with Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a global leader in business, finance, technology, entertainment, and culture.
Riyadh Air partners with Air France-KLM!
Riyadh Air, a new airline from Saudi Arabia, has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air France-KLM. This means they are teaming up to work together and create special connections between their airlines. Imagine flying to amazing places ar
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers in 2026 due to rising sea levels.
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers by 2026 due to rising sea levels | Photo: Giulio Ris
Tanzania to host World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025
World Travel Awards (WTA) will host its Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 in the enchanting nation of Tanzania, with travel industry leaders from across the region attending the VIP reception at Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam on 28 June 2025.
Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways: Codeshares now also possible on long-haul flights
Sales launch of codeshare connections for long-haul flights from July 1, 2025
History happened here: Historic Hotels and Palatial Retreats across Kempinski’s Global Portfolio
From the banks of the Bosphorus to the capitals of Europe, Kempinski Hotels features a collection of historic hotels and magnificent palaces steeped in history
IHG Hotels and Resorts acquires Ruby, its 20th brand, and targets global expansion
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) has acquired from Ruby SARL the RubyTM brand and related intellectual property for initial purchase consideration of €110.5m (~$116m1). Ruby is a premium urban lifestyle brand for modern travellers in must-vi
Pet Travel just got upgraded
Pet travel has just been upgraded with the unveiling today of Irish Ferries’ brand-new “Pet Den” lounges. And, while dogs, cats, and even ferrets have always been welcome onboard Irish Ferries vessels, they can now travel in elevated comfort an
Emblems Collection announces first flagship with Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Currently operating as a renowned country house hotel, Lucknam Park will officially join the Emblems Collection in Q4 2025. This landmark moment will see the British icon as the first Emblems property celebrating intimate luxury, unique character, el
Rosewood Mandarina opens on the xhores of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
Marking the beginning of a new era of luxury in Mexico, the highly anticipated Rosewood Mandarina welcomes guests to enjoy the captivating energy and cultural reverence of the Pacific coast. Nearly a decade in the making, this all-suite sanctuary was
Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman Secretary-General of UN
The UN Tourism Executive Council has met again for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years. Meeting for its 123rd session, the Council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education an
Thailand strengthens regional Tourism Cooperation with GMS and Bhutan at TTM+ 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) strengthened regional tourism cooperation by bringing together agencies from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and representatives from the Kingdom of Bhutan during Thailand’s premier travel trade event, Tha
Seoul Releases Global Tourism Campaign Featuring Star Chef Edward Lee
The Seoul Tourism Organization is set to release a global promotional campaign featuring renowned star Chef and Seoul Honorary Ambassador, Edward Lee.
Turkish Airlines turns up the heat with extra summer flights
Turkish Airlines is ramping up its summer 2025 schedule with additional flights from the UK and Ireland to Istanbul and beyond.
TAP Air Portugal launches direct flight from Terceira to San Francisco
TAP Air Portugal has launched a direct flight from the Azores to San Francisco, connecting UK and Irish passengers travelling via Portugal to California.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs dual-branded property in London’s vibrant Waterloo
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of a dual branded hotel complex in Central London: voco hotel London – Waterloo and Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo. Signed in partnership wit
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines start strategic codeshare partnership
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines activated their codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. This bilateral partnership enhances global travel opportunities for guests, with seats available to
Turkish Airlines Signature Podcast and Videocast Series Completes its First Season
With the debut of its signature podcast and videocast, Turkish Airlines Series, the brand has taken a step into audio-visual storytelling, offering curated travel content, inspiring insights, and insider perspectives from Türkiye and beyond.
