The 2024 International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference held on September 26 in Xingyi, Guizhou Province, marked a significant step towards empowering sustainable mountain tourism. The event, themed \"Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning, Innovation – Empowering Sustainable Mountain Tourism with New Quality Productive Forces,\" brought together industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies for the future.
IMTA Chairman Dominique de Villepin shared a video message, highlighting the conference as a crucial platform for dialogue and cooperation in the mountain tourism sector. He emphasized the shift from recovery to sustainable growth in the global tourism industry, noting the rising demand for smart tourism and new business opportunities.
Vice Chairman He Yafei pointed out that global tourism revenue reached $1.6 trillion in 2023, with tourist numbers recovering to 90% of pre-pandemic levels. He highlighted IMTA's role in promoting inclusive and sustainable mountain tourism by integrating culture, education, and technology.
Pansy Ho, another vice chairman, stressed the impacts of climate change and technological advancements on the industry. She highlighted that sustainable mountain tourism drives economic growth, protects the environment, and fosters cultural exchange.
The conference showcased IMTA's achievements, including the certification of 14 \"World Famous Tourism Mountains\" like Jungfrau in Switzerland and Changbai Mountain in China. Additionally, three new “IMTA International Mountain Hiking Demonstration Routes” were recognized for their contributions to high-quality hiking tourism.
Looking ahead, IMTA awarded Gran Canaria, Spain, the hosting rights for the 2025 \"International Mountain Tourism Day,\" and established a new liaison office in Xingyi. With 199 members worldwide, including new additions from South Korea and Nepal, IMTA is poised to continue its mission of promoting sustainable mountain tourism through collaboration and innovation.
The event, themed \"Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning, Innovation – Empowering Sustainable Mountain Tourism with New Quality Productive Forces,\" brought together industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies for the future.
