GUIYANG, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports opened on Thursday in Xingyi City, Bouyei-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Qianxinan, in southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Themed "Integration of Culture, Sports and Tourism Presents a High-Quality Life," this year's conference is not only a significant event for mountain tourism and outdoor sports but also aims to promote the integration of mountain culture, sports, and tourism through international cooperation.

In recent years, Guizhou has attracted outdoor sports enthusiasts from across China and abroad with its magnificent mountainous landscapes. The province offers a range of activities, including rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, cycling, paragliding, and bungee jumping.

He Yafei, vice chairman and secretary-general of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), noted that since its establishment in 2015, the conference has been committed to the innovative concept of "tourism + sports + culture."

"As an important international platform for dialogue and exchange in mountain tourism and outdoor sports, the conference has made significant progress in promoting the deep integration of global mountain tourism, sports, and cultural industries," He said.

"Guizhou, as a major tourist province in southwest China's mountainous areas, boasts unique natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures. In recent years, the rise of rural sports activities such as 'Cun BA' and 'Cun Chao' has demonstrated a strong integration of rural sports and distinctive cultural tourism, bringing new vitality to mountain outdoor sports," he added.

IMTA chairman Dominique de Villepin emphasized the rapid transformation of the global tourism industry, highlighting the influence of emerging smart technologies, new business models, and innovative scenarios in empowering mountain tourism. "China's implementation of a visa-free travel policy for foreign tourists and the opening of new air routes have greatly boosted the tourism industry, attracting more foreign visitors to experience China's colorful and ancient culture."

Francesco Frangialli, honorary secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, has visited Guizhou multiple times over the past two decades and considers it the province in China with which he is most familiar.

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. Guizhou's tourism industry has developed rapidly, and diverse China-France exchange activities and cooperation projects in mountain tourism and outdoor sports have deepened the ties between our two countries," said Frangialli. Enditem

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