Meeting of mayors set to boost global tourism

The 2018 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism to be held in Zhengzhou, Henan province, from May 27-30, is expected to lead to lucrative agreements, the People’s Government of Henan said at a news conference on Friday.

The biennial forum, which was launched in 2008, aims to create a platform for high-level dialogue and shared development. Hundreds of mayors from across China and overseas will analyze urban issues, discuss viable solutions and promote the sustainable development of global tourism.

This year’s theme will be “Quality Urban Tourism in the Age of the Shared Economy”, with technological innovation and regional cooperation among topics to be discussed.

There will also be a summit featuring mayors of cities involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and a seminar led by the World Tourism Association — a global nonprofit group founded by the China Tourism Association in May 2017.

Zhou Minxia, deputy director of Henan’s tourism association, said the forum’s highlights will include topics trending in the sector.

The forum has invited 98 guests from 94 cities in 26 countries and regions. It is also expected to see 38 new tourism project deals worth some 100 billion yuan ($15.73 billion).