Biggest ever silk road conference for China

UNWTO and China host the country’s biggest ever Silk Road conference and festival in Dunhuang, Gansu on 1-3 August

On 1-3 August 2013, the ancient city of Dunhuang (Gansu, China) will host the 6th UNWTO International Meeting on Silk Road Tourism, the biggest ever Silk Road conference and festival to take place in China.

Jointly organized by UNWTO, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Gansu Provincial People’s Government, the Meeting will bring together leaders of the industry to debate why the Silk Road today is so important today for business, international cooperation, foreign direct investment and safeguarding heritage. The Meeting is also organized in collaboration with the China Chamber of Tourism, the members of which are the major tourism operational and investment companies throughout China.

The Meeting will look at how stakeholders can leverage from the Silk Road’s positioning and help rebuild the world’s most important travel route. Outcomes from this Meeting will help shape the next edition of the UNWTO Silk Road Action Plan 2014/2015.

• Topics to be addressed at the Meeting will include:
• World tourism trends and outlook for the Silk Road region
• Creating a stronger business environment for growth
• The role of Silk Road cities
• Developing and enhancing the Silk Road product
• Addressing environmental concerns and safeguarding the Silk Road’s outstanding heritage

The Meeting will take place in the ancient oasis city of Dunhuang, located in China’s northwest province of Gansu. Gansu was for centuries the vital corridor between China and Central Asia and comprised around 1,600 kilometres of the Silk Road. Ideas, technology, art and religion all passed through this region. As the biggest Silk Road event ever held in China, the meeting will draw a large spectrum of high level audience, and Dunhuang will once again become a hub of exchange for representatives from across the Silk Road and beyond.

One of the cultural highlights of the meeting will be the 3rd Dunhuang Silk Road International Tourism Festival, which commences on 1 August 2013. This impressive festival demonstrates the potential for Silk Road themed festivals and events to attract both domestic and international visitors while strengthening the Silk Road’s legacy. The Governor of Gansu Province personally invites all delegates to attend this colourful celebration of the Silk Road’s arts, culture and history.

Confirmed speakers include representatives from: CNTA, World Bank, UNESCO, UNCTAD, China Tourism Academy, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan, City of Venice, China Tourism Chamber, ICOMOS, PATA, Sun-Yatsen University and Tourism Kerala India.

To register to attend this conference, please click here for more information.

Valere Tjolle

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