Imagine trekking through ancient Silk Road cities while your Instagram feed lights up with stories from fellow travelers in Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. This cultural exchange could soon get a major boost, according to tourism expert Dai Bin, who’s calling for stronger collaboration among Belt and Road countries.
Cultural Heritage as a Bridge
At the 8th Silk Road International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang – a literal crossroads of history – Dai emphasized Central Asia’s 'treasure trove' of cultural sites. 🌄 'Think Samarkand meets TikTok,' he told CGTN, highlighting how shared heritage could attract Gen-Z explorers craving authentic experiences.
Data & Collaboration: Keys to Growth
With tourism rebounding post-pandemic, Dai stressed three urgent needs:
- 📊 Better data sharing between governments and businesses
- 🤝 Closer ties between universities and travel startups
- 💡 Joint research to map emerging travel trends
His vision? A seamless network where Uzbek tour guides collaborate with Chinese tech platforms while Thai hospitality trainers share insights with Egyptian resorts.
Goodwill = Good Business
Beyond spreadsheets and apps, Dai reminded delegates that sustainable tourism needs heart: 'When travelers connect, borders fade.' His rallying cry? Turn the Belt and Road into the ultimate group trip – no FOMO allowed. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com