PR No.: PR15064

The 22nd Session of the Assembly, the most important global meeting of senior tourism officials and high-level representatives of the private tourism sector, will take place in Chengdu, China, in 2017.

“China’s importance as a driver of tourism development cannot be understated. It is not only the world’s fourth most visited country, but the number one source market in the world, as well as a prominent leader in domestic tourism. These numbers, alongside the Chinese authorities continued recognition of tourism as a strategic pillar of the national economy and an effective development tool, make China a fitting host for the next UNWTO General Assembly“, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.

Note to editors:

According to UNWTO data, in 2014, China received 55.6 million international tourism arrivals, generating 56.9 billion US$ in international tourism receipts. In the same year, Chinese tourists spent 164.9 billion US$ abroad, making China a clear leader in terms of international tourism expenditure.

Useful links:

UNWTO 21st General Assembly (available in English and Spanish)

Press release: UNWTO welcomes China’s decision to make tourism a tool to fight poverty

Contacts:

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218