On September 22, 2024, the 3rd International Summit for Mayors of Rural Tourism Villages and the Forum of Best Tourism Villages will be held in Huangling Ancient Village, Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province. With the theme "Exploring World-Renowned Tourist Villages: Communication and Collaboration," the summit aims to foster dialogue on sustainable tourism development in rural areas worldwide.
Global Participation and Collaboration
Representatives from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the China Tourism Scenic Area Association, and 18 Best Tourism Villages from 10 countries across three continents will gather to share experiences and best practices in rural tourism development. The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village program, launched in 2021, recognizes rural destinations that showcase outstanding cultural and natural resources. So far, 129 villages globally, including eight in China, have earned this prestigious title.
The summit will provide a platform for leaders in rural tourism to exchange knowledge on how tourism can drive sustainable growth while preserving cultural and natural heritage. It also aims to strengthen global collaboration on rural tourism marketing, management, and development.
Notable International Attendees
The summit will see participation from globally recognized Best Tourism Villages, including:
- San Ginesio (Italy)
- Rupit (Spain)
- Miyama (Japan)
- Andermatt (Switzerland)
- Dongbaek and Sehwa (South Korea)
- Le Morne Village (Mauritius)
- THAI HAI (Vietnam)
- Lephis Ecotourism (Ethiopia)
- Sidi Kaouki (Morocco)
In addition, Chinese Best Tourism Villages, such as Huangling Village, will host the event, and international journalists from CGTN, China Daily, and Xinhua News Agency will cover the summit. The gathering promises a rich cultural exchange, with media influencers and internet personalities from across the globe also participating.
Engaging Sessions and Field Experiences
The summit offers diverse and engaging formats, including keynote speeches from world-renowned tourism experts. Attendees will have the opportunity for an on-site experience in Huangling Village, one of China’s Best Tourism Villages, and engage in in-depth discussions with global village leaders.
Additionally, participants will embark on field trips to other notable Chinese tourist villages, such as Jingdezhen, Xidi Village, and Hongcun, to learn from their achievements in rural tourism development. These site visits will provide valuable insights into sustainable tourism management and local economic growth through tourism.
Promoting Sustainable Development and Cooperation
Since its inception in October 2018, the International Summit for Mayors of Rural Tourism Villages has played a key role in enhancing communication and collaboration among rural tourism destinations. The summit continues to promote market collaboration, mutual communication, and visitor exchange among global villages, fostering high-quality development and cooperation in rural tourism.
With the 3rd edition, the summit aims to strengthen international partnerships, offering rural destinations a platform to share successful strategies for sustainable tourism. As the summit gathers participants from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds, it promises to drive meaningful dialogue and collaboration on global tourism development.