From October 18 to 20, the 2024 Zhangjiajie International Tourism Innovation Week took place in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, under the theme “Integration and Expanding Frontiers.” Organized by SMART, the event aimed to broaden international and domestic tourism exchanges, highlight the vibrancy of China’s tourism sector, and promote Zhangjiajie’s transformation toward high-quality tourism development.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Tourism Innovation Week
Throughout the three-day event, attendees engaged in a dynamic lineup, featuring one main dialogue, 23 parallel dialogues, a food festival, and a culinary competition. The event brought together top professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from the global tourism industry. Discussions centered on critical topics, including talent development, rural revitalization, health and wellness tourism, children’s aesthetic education, and innovative urban tourism marketing. A unique feature of this year’s event was the use of Zhangjiajie’s scenic outdoor venues, with sessions held against the natural backdrops of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Cave, merging tourism innovation with the region’s iconic landscapes.
Iconic Venues for a Unique Experience
Sessions took place at nine renowned Zhangjiajie locations, enhancing the event experience by blending tourism discourse with breathtaking natural scenery:
- Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Cave
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Glamour Xiangxi
- Zhangjiajie Baofeng Lake Landscape Area
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
- Zhangjiajie Seven Star Mountain Landscape Area
- Zhangjiajie Yellow Dragon Cave Landscape Area
- Zhangjiajie 72 Unusual Houses Scenic Spot
This outdoor integration highlighted Zhangjiajie’s unique appeal, creating an immersive experience that emphasized the harmony between innovation and nature.
Expanding Opportunities for Global Tourism Collaboration
The 2024 Zhangjiajie International Tourism Innovation Week attracted over 200 domestic and international guests, along with more than 3,000 professional visitors. This gathering provided a global platform for tourism exchange and facilitated collaboration among industry professionals worldwide. With the goal of creating a prominent cultural and creative industry event, the Innovation Week is expected to accelerate Zhangjiajie’s tourism transformation, fostering new growth opportunities and increasing its impact on the global tourism stage.
Looking Ahead: Zhangjiajie’s Role in Global Tourism
The Zhangjiajie International Tourism Innovation Week continues to foster tourism development, establishing Zhangjiajie as a leader in global tourism innovation. As international recognition grows, Zhangjiajie aims to transform its tourism industry through sustainable cultural and creative exchanges, driving economic growth and positioning itself as a key player in global tourism.
