ITOP delegates discuss green tourism development at forum

Liu further noted that like Hainan, other member regions of the ITOP are also important tourist destinations, and the ecological fragility of islands requires that we must take effective measures to guide the tourism industry to develop in a more environmentally friendly, low-carbon and sustainable direction.

Okinawa, a member region of the ITOP has a ten-year plan to work on its green tourism industry. For example, hotels are embracing low carbon energy consumption and reducing the use of plastic, according to Kubota Kei, division director of the Okinawa Prefectural Government Department of Culture, Tourism and Sports. "We believe that through partnerships with different regions, for example Hainan, we'll be able to start our own sustainable tourism," he said.

Young people are more inclined to travel independently and design their own routes after COVID-19, and they prefer to search for trendy attractions which are good for travel photography, South Korean tourism experts and professionals found. "Jeju Island's tourism promotion now focuses more on inviting tourists to experience local food and culture, and even live in locals' houses to have an authentic experience," said Hag Soo Hyun, vice president of the Jeju Tourism Organization. "We have a word 'kareum stay', meaning enjoying a stay in a Jeju village."

"Hainan is often dubbed the "Hawaii of China". Hawaii and Hainan can cooperate on tourism development, and it will likely become a channel for people-to-people communication between the United States and China," said Dennis Suo, managing director of Hawaii Tourism China.

Suo added that the forum is an important platform to share experience and promote sustainable tourism development. He suggested that ITOP member regions make use of social media to help tourists understand the importance of protecting local natural resources and culture before they arrive at their destinations, and invite them to engage in conservation efforts.