With the theme of “Sustainable Innovation, Sustainable Travel, Sustainable Business,” this year’s Forum has been co-branded as the China-ASEAN Tourism Development Forum with the aim to bring together a range of sectors from China and ASEAN countries that play a direct and indirect role in delivering sustainable tourism and ecotourism.
BANGKOK – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in collaboration with the Marketing & International Cooperation Department of China National Tourism Administration and the ASEAN-China Centre, will organise the 2nd China Responsible Tourism Forum (CRTF) on November 16, 2012 at the Parkview Hotel in Shanghai, China.
PATA CEO, Martin Craigs, said: “We were heartened by the positive feedback for the 1st Forum that took place in Beijing in December last year. PATA is committed to facilitate the exchange of best practices to help, protect and preserve Chinese heritage and culture while responsibly developing tourism. We will develop the China Responsible Tourism Forum as an annual premier sustainable tourism conference in China.”
The occasion will provide delegates with an opportunity to debate new research and policies, emerging issues and factors influencing sustainability in the travel industry.
Mr Ma Mingqiang, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre, said: “China’s relations with Southeast Asian countries have made tremendous progress over the past 20 years. Both sides are continuously strengthening bilateral friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation. China and ASEAN member states are engaging fully on responsible tourism practices. We look forward to hearing the latest ideas and best responsible practises at the Forum.”
During the Forum, the China Responsible Tourism Awards will be introduced. The awards will bring together leading players from across China and the globe to honour best practice in sustainability, ecotourism, cultural and heritage tourism, tourism in protected areas and climate change response.
Delegates will review current best practices and collectively take a forward perspective on the industry. National and international keynote speakers will provide the latest insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. There will be plenty of opportunities for delegates to participate in discussions.
PATA is also encouraging tourism players to vote for candidates in the PATA China Young Tourism Professionals Challenge 2012. The competition has a dedicated Youku page to reward innovative responsible tourism business ideas put forward by students in tourism. The ideas need to come from students in hospitality or culinary arts in higher learning institutions in China.
