Yunnan Joins Forces with Multiple Regions to Launch the "World Heritages Tour Program"

On November 19, during the 2024 China International Friendship Cities Conference (CIFCC 2024), Yunnan Province, which is home to six World Heritage sites and ranks second nationally, joined forces with Fujian and Shandong Provinces, as well as Khon Kaen City of Thailand, Luang Prabang Province of Laos, and Siem Reap Province of Cambodia, to launch the "World Heritage Tour Program (WHTP)."

Under the impetus of the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation among countries in infrastructure construction, trade, and cultural exchanges has deepened, ushering in unprecedented opportunities for the tourism industry. World heritage tourism, with its unique cultural appeal and historical value, is attracting an increasing number of tourists.

The launch of the WHTP aims to establish a multi-party international cooperation platform, bringing together professional forces from the cultural and tourism sectors, sister cities, media, academia, and enterprises to explore new strategies and methods for the protection of world heritage; promote the design and service improvement of cross-border tourism routes to support sustainable tourism development; and formulate communication strategies to enhance the dissemination of world heritage, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning.

In addition, the WHTP calls for joint hosting of activities such as the WHTP City Cultural and Tourism Carnival, WHTP Influencer Experience & Salon Sharing Sessions, and the Global Photography Competition and Exhibition of "City Impressions," aiming to create world heritage tourism brands with local characteristics.

On the same day, representatives from Fujian, Shandong, and Yunnan Provinces of China, as well as Mekong River countries, introduced their respective World Heritage sites. The Xinhua News Agency launched its "Explore Yunnan Discover Angkor" multimedia channel, and China News Service launched its "Explore Yunnan Discover South Asia" multimedia column online. At the event, two premium "World Heritage Tour" routes were promoted: the "Starry Night Journey into the Secrets of Buddhist Kingdoms" between China and Laos, and the "Explore Yunnan Discover Angkor - Sino-Cambodian Dual Natural and Cultural Heritage Tour."