#IMTAMemberWeeklyNews: From February 4th to February 10th
1. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili Visits China: Emphasizes Global Tourism Cooperation and Discusses Preparations for GTEF 2025
Recently, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), led a high-level delegation on an official visit to China. The visit marked a new chapter in the partnership between UN Tourism and China, underscoring their shared vision of advancing sustainable tourism and economic development globally. During the visit, Mr. Pololikashvili reaffirmed UN Tourism’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, emphasizing the organization's commitment to an inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven framework aligned with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. He recognized China as both a major outbound tourism market and a world-leading destination, highlighting its role in driving the digital transformation of the tourism industry and in positioning tourism as a pillar of international sustainable development.
While in China, Mr. Pololikashvili met with Pansy Ho, Vice Chair of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, Executive President of the China Chamber of Tourism, and Chairperson of Shun Tak Holdings, to discuss strategic cooperation and preparations for the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF). He reiterated the critical role of tourism in driving global economic growth and international collaboration.
2. Kenya Tourism Board Concludes China Roadshow with Grand Finale in Beijing, Ushering in a New Chapter for China-Kenya Tourism
The Kenya Tourism Board recently held a successful tourism promotion event in Beijing, marking the conclusion of its three-city China roadshow, following events in Guangzhou and Shanghai. Under the theme "Ecological Wonders, Cultural Fusion, In-Depth Experiences," the event featured immersive presentations and interactive exchanges, showcasing Kenya’s unique tourism appeal to Chinese industry professionals and consumers.
3. Changbai Mountain: A Popular Winter Destination with the Longest Snow Season in Northeast China
While spring has already arrived in many parts of China, snowflakes continue to fall on Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province, creating a uniquely enchanting atmosphere. Recently, Changbai Mountain hosted the Spring Snow Hiking Festival, drawing numerous hiking enthusiasts to experience the beauty of snow-covered landscapes and explore its distinctive volcanic geology. A representative from the Changbai Mountain Protection Development Management Committee Tourism, Culture and Sports Bureau stated that in 2023, the destination achieved a dual breakthrough in both visitor numbers and brand recognition. In 2024, the main scenic area welcomed 3.41 million visitors, marking a 24.1% year-on-year increase. Notably, the winter tourism season performed exceptionally well — during the 2024–2025 snow season, the number of visitors broke previous records 38 days earlier than ever before.
4. Hainan Tourism Investment & Development Co., Ltd. Showcases “Seven Brands, Three Premium Lines” at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo
The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (2025) is being held in Hainan from April 13 to 18. Hainan Tourism Investment & Development Co., Ltd. is making a strong appearance under the theme “Born of Mountains and Seas, Chasing Light Around the Island,” presenting seven core business lines, including HTDF (Hanan Tourism Duty Free) and Dongpo Old Wharf. The company is promoting its role as a developer and investor in international tourism consumption centers, showcasing its innovation and appeal in the tourism consumption sector. This year, Hainan Tourism Investment & Development Co., Ltd. is highlighting three premium themes: International Boutiques, Chinese Cultural Boutiques, and Tourism Service Boutiques.
5. Sante Cableways: 11.34% Year-on-Year Net Profit Growth in 2024
On April 9, Wuhan Sante Cableways Group Co., Ltd. released its 2024 annual report. The company recorded a total operating revenue of RMB 692 million. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 142 million, marking an increase of RMB 14.46 million compared to the same period last year — an 11.34% year-on-year growth and the third consecutive year of profit increase. Net cash inflow from operating activities amounted to RMB 285 million.
6. Sunriver Holding Group Sees Over 75% Year-on-Year Revenue Growth During Qingming Holiday
According to official reports, Sunriver Holding Group Co., Ltd. received a total of 217,700 visitors during the 2025 Qingming Festival holiday, marking a year-on-year increase of 84.62%. The company’s operating revenue reached RMB 13.4 million, up 75.37% year-on-year. Based on consolidated financial data, visitor numbers increased 109.66% and operating revenue rose 96.13% compared to the same period last year. As a leading cultural and tourism enterprise in China, Sunriver Holding Group boasts a wide range of scenic resources across several provinces, including Huanglong Cave in Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and Danxia Mountain — many of which are World Heritage Sites and rated as national 5A-rated tourist attractions.
7. Thai Prime Minister Deepens Strategic Cooperation with
Trip.com to Promote the Songkran Festival
As the Thai New Year 2025 approaches, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently announced that the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025” will be held from April 11 to 15 at Sanam Luang Square in Bangkok. The Thai government, in collaboration with Shanghai Ctrip Business Co., Ltd. and other global tourism brands, will host a month-long celebration across various locations in Thailand throughout April. On the
Trip.com platform, searches for destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai surged by 120% during the 2025 Songkran Festival period. Bookings for travel from mainland China to Thailand increased by 93% compared to the previous week, with Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu emerging as major source cities. To attract international travelers, the Thai government has partnered with
Trip.com and local Thai businesses to launch the “Grand Songkran Grand Privileges” campaign, offering up to 80% discounts on hotels, flights, and travel packages, along with opportunities to win free travel prizes. Prime Minister Paetongtarn extended a warm invitation to Chinese tourists, stating, “Thailand is fully prepared. The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport, and the police will ensure the safety and convenience of all visitors. We welcome everyone to immerse themselves in the joy and blessings of Songkran.”
8. 2025 Baili Landscape Human-Vehicle Relay Across the Flower Sea Kicks Off
On April 7, the 2025 Baili Landscape Human-Vehicle Relay Across the Flower Sea officially kicked off with great enthusiasm in the Baili Azalea Management Area. The event is hosted by the Bijie Municipal Bureau of Sports and the Management Committee of the Baili Azalea Management Area, and organized by the Bijie Sports Center and the Baili Azalea Administrative Area Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism. Blending breathtaking natural scenery with teamwork and endurance, the event attracted 117 teams and 417 athletes from across China. It served not only as a competition of strength and speed but also as a showcase of strategy and team coordination. The race featured two categories: the Summit Group (110 km) and the Challenge Group (63 km). The course passed through several scenic spots, including the Baili Azalea Scenic Area (a national 5A-rated tourist attraction), the Fangjiaping Scenic Area (4A-rated), and Baili Azalea Lake, offering participants a thrilling "dance between people and vehicles" amidst vibrant seas of blooming azaleas.
🔗
#IMTAMembers: @gteforum_,
@magicalkenya, Changbai Mountain Protection Development Management Committee Tourism, Culture and Sports Bureau, Hainan Tourism Investment & Development Co., Ltd., Wuhan Sante Cableways Group Co., Ltd., Sunriver Holding Group Co., Ltd.,
@tripcomgroup, and Management Committee of the Baili Azalea Management Area are members of IMTA.
#IMTA #IMTAMemberWeeklyNews #IMTAMember #UNTourism #GTEF2025 #ChinaTourism #GlobalTourismCooperation #KenyaTourism #AfricaMeetsChina #TravelChina #ChangbaiMountain #SnowSeason #SpringHiking #HainanTourism #ChinaConsumerExpo #SustainableTourism #TourismInnovation #SanteCableways #2024FinancialResults #QingmingHolidayTourism #TourismGrowth #SongkranFestival2025 #ThailandTravel #HumanVehicleRelay2025 #BailiAzaleaScenicArea