International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities (ITASRC) – International Forum on Culture and Tourism Development of Silk Road Cities 2024 & First Culture and Tourism Season of Silk Road Cities
In Partnership With:
Network of International Culturalink Entities (NICE), Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and Kunming Municipal People’s Government
Duration: 20 – 21 September
Context:
The International Forum on Culture and Tourism Development of Silk Road Cities 2024 coincided with the First Culture and Tourism Season of Silk Road Cities in Kunming, marking the first anniversary of the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities. This event aimed to deepen cross-cultural ties and foster sustainable tourism development across Silk Road cities, with a strong focus on integrating culture into economic growth strategies and enhancing tourism city branding under international standards.
UN Tourism’s was on the ground in Kunming underscoring the commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to economic growth, cultural preservation, and safety of destinations. The forum explored innovative approaches to enriching the tourism experience while ensuring responsible environmental management and cultural heritage protection.
Highlights:
Unique Forum for Discussions:
The International Forum on Culture and Tourism Development of Silk Road Cities 2024 stood out as a premier platform for dialogue, gathering over 160 representatives from the Silk Road region and beyond. From the Middle East to Central Asia, and from Europe to East Asia, the common goal of fostering cultural exchange and driving sustainable tourism growth was highlighted. The diversity of participants reflected the rich historical connections and vibrant contemporary tourism potential of the Silk Road, making this forum a critical space for discussions on shared strategies, best practices, and collaborative initiatives.
Enriching Panel Discussions:
The forum’s panel discussions brought together a diverse array of participants from multiple sectors, including government officials, academic experts, and industry leaders, each with deep insights into tourism, culture, and urban development. Notably, panelists discussed sustainable tourism practices aligned with the Silk Road spirit and the concept of Safety of Destinations. Discussions explored how cities can enhance safety, security, and sustainability while building resilient tourism brands. Each participant contributed unique perspectives on balancing economic growth with cultural preservation, integrating local traditions with modern tourism demands, and leveraging tourism as a tool for sustainable development.
Exhibition and Networking Opportunities:
A central feature of the event was the “Silk Road Linking the World” exhibition, which showcased the rich cultural and tourism offerings of Silk Road cities. Each participating city had its own dedicated stand, where they presented their unique attractions, cultural assets, and tourism projects through engaging media such as videos, photographs, and local artifacts. The exhibition fostered dynamic networking opportunities, enabling representatives to connect directly, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships with their counterparts from other cities. These interactions were vital in sparking new collaborations aimed at creating joint tourism initiatives, strengthening city-to-city relations, and exploring potential investment and development opportunities.
Stay Tuned:
The forum marked a key moment in the advancement of Silk Road tourism, reinforcing the commitment of member cities to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. The discussions and collaborations initiated here will pave the way for future initiatives that emphasize quality tourism, responsible environmental practices, and enhanced safety of destinations.
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