Dominique de Villepin: jointly explore, achieve and share the...

Dominique de Villepin: jointly explore, achieve and share the outcomes of high-quality development of mountain tourism

The International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports 2024 kicked off in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province on September 26th. Guests from all sectors of culture, sports and tourism both at home and abroad gathered together to enjoy the charm of mountain tourism, the passion of mountain sports, and the richness of mountain culture. The conference held a series of international wonderful activities around the theme of "Integration of Culture, Sports and Tourism Presents a High - Quality Life". Through the exchange and sharing of participants, explore the innovative development path of high-quality and sustainable mountain tourism and outdoor sports in the context of the new era, and inject new vitality into mountain tourism. As the main event of the conference, the IMTA Annual Conference 2024 themed on "Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning, Innovation - Empowering Sustainable Mountain Tourism with New Quality Productive Forces", was held concurrently.Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of IMTA made an opening remark.

The following is the full text:

Good afternoon! It is a great regret that I am unable to join you in Guizhou. The Annual Conference of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) is not only a grand event for our members, but also a significant exchange and cooperation platform for our members and the mountain tourism industry. This year's IMTA Annual Conference achieved a more integrated synergy with the International Mountain Tourism & Outdoor Sports Conference, fostering a mutual inclusion that enriches our collective efforts. This enhanced interaction has brought a new vibrancy and a fresh perspective to the high-quality development of mountain tourism in the new context.

International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports 2024

We are delighted to see that since the beginning of this year, the tourism industry has shown great vitality. The implementation of visa-free travel, streamlined customs procedures, and an increase in flight routes have significantly boosted travel enthusiasm. The tourism industry is now experiencing a comprehensive recovery and a positive upward trend. This presents a superb opportunity for all countries to capitalize on development trends and promote the high-quality development of tourism.

The year 2024 marks a pivotal transition for the tourism industry from recovery to sustainable prosperity. We can see the changes and characteristics of mountain tourism as follows:

i) There is a burgeoning market demand for intelligent tourism, propelled by innovation-driven breakthroughs in supply.

Next-generation information technologies such as big data and AI, along with display and interactive technologies like VR, holography and multimedia, as well as manufacturing technologies including new materials, equipment and new energy, are providing fresh impetus for innovation in mountain tourism. In response to the new trend of faster technological iteration and changing tourist demands, mountain tourism will develop in a more personalized, customized and intelligent direction.

Cable Way

ii) The characteristics of leisure tourism are prominent, with vast potential for independent travel.

With social and economic development, as well as the continuous accumulation of civilization, leisure travel has not only become a way of life for people but also a part of life. Independent travel caters to a spectrum of leisure needs, including relaxation, vacation, entertainment, learning and adventure. Enabled by mobile internet and intelligent tech, new forms of travel characterized by their thematic, niche, in-depth and random nature are gaining popularity among tourists. These have posed new requirements for the mountain tourism industry. In the face of new consumption trends and changes, developing new capabilities of product supply, service, marketing and operation is a critical issue for tourism investors and operators.

Cappadocia, Turkey

iii) Deep integration gives birth to new business forms, injecting vitality into the transformative development of the tourism industry.

Facing the diverse needs of tourists, a richer variety of tourism products and business forms have emerged. The integration of tourism with industries such as technology, sports, wellness, culture, education and transportation are becoming increasingly prevalent. Just as you all are doing in Guizhou Province, leveraging the features of mountain tourism and integrating it with a spectrum of related industries has led to the creation of diverse new products, business forms, experiences and scenarios, significantly enriching tourism offerings. Participants in this event in Guizhou are likely to experience this enrichment firsthand.

Aspen Ski Resort, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA

While seizing development opportunities, we must stay vigilant against the negative impacts on the tourism industry stemming from global economic uncertainties, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, heightened market competition and waning consumer confidence. Looking ahead, a multidimensional and in-depth analysis of industry trends is essential to navigating future challenges more effectively. It is imperative for governments, businesses and all walks of life to collaborate in refining policies, improving the environment and enhancing services to address the current challenges and problems faced by international tourism. By doing so, we can foster a more conducive environment for inbound tourism and collectively promote the prosperity of the tourism market. This aligns with IMTA's initiative in creating international dialogue platforms, such as the IMTA Annual Conference, International Mountain Tourism Day and the Asian Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference. These platforms embody the spirit of equality, inclusiveness and collaboration, aiming to jointly explore, achieve and share the outcomes of high-quality development of mountain tourism.

In May 2024, IMTA hosted the "International Mountain Tourism Day 2024" Theme Events in France with the theme "Mutual Understanding among People through Mountain Tourism". This theme addresses the crises mentioned above effectively. We should value the specialization and differentiation of tourism, and jointly create a cooperative atmosphere that transcends geographical and cultural differences. We are committed to enhancing global welfare, achieving inclusive development, and promoting mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations. We aim to bring the concept of "Travel without Borders" to life and to build bridges of mutual respect and understanding.

Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of IMTA , delivered a speech at the 2024 International Mountain Tourism Day themed event

IMTA has operated successfully over the seven years since its establishment, making significant progress and achieving positive effects in conserving and utilizing mountain tourism resources, shaping the governance of mountain tourism, and enhancing international exchanges and business cooperation in the tourism industry. It has provided an effective platform for the exchanges and interaction of mountain tourism. I believe that IMTA will continue to lead, serve its members, collaborate with the industry, and make due efforts and contributions to the sustainable development of international mountain tourism.

Text and images source: IMTA

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong