On June 2, the WTCF Beijing Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit officially opened at the ZGC International Innovation Center in Beijing.

Opening Ceremony of the Summit 

[Photo courtesy of WTCF]

This year's summit is themed "Smart Tourism, Better Future." A series of events, including the Members' Assembly, Council Meeting, Opening Ceremony, and exhibitions, are being held throughout the summit. The event has attracted representatives from 73 cities across 56 countries and regions, bringing together two deputy ministers of tourism from overseas countries, five heads of international organizations, and 23 mayor-level representatives from international cities. Participants include city and institutional members, international organizations, cultural and tourism enterprises, academics, and media representatives, all gathering in Beijing to discuss transformation trends and development strategies for the global tourism industry in the era of digital intelligence.

Elvis La Torre Uñaccori, Mayor of Machu Picchu, Peru 

[Photo courtesy of WTCF]

During the opening ceremony, guests exchanged insights and experiences under the theme of "Smart Tourism, Better Future." Elvis La Torre Uñaccori, Mayor of Machu Picchu, noted that tourism serves as a key driver of coordinated economic, social, and cultural development. Beyond stimulating economic vitality, tourism strengthens people-to-people ties between Beijing and Machu Picchu and promotes mutual learning between civilizations. He noted that world-renowned heritage sites such as the Great Wall of China and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu underscore the importance of international cooperation in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council

 [Photo courtesy of WTCF]

In her remarks, Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), highlighted that Beijing's inbound tourist arrivals increased by 15.8 percent year-on-year in 2025, more than three times the global average growth rate. She also noted that while the global tourism economy expanded by 4 percent last year, China led the world with a growth rate of 9.9 percent, more than double the global average. She emphasized the WTTC's commitment to quantitative research in the tourism sector, using data-driven insights to support policy recommendations and industry promotion efforts. By fostering collaboration among governments and cities worldwide, the organization continues to expand employment opportunities and attract investment to unlock the full economic potential of tourism.

World Tourism Destination Competitiveness Index 2026 — The Digital City Edition 

[Photo courtesy of WTCF]

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the release of the World Tourism Destination Competitiveness Index 2026 — The Digital City Edition, jointly compiled by the World Tourism Cities Federation and the Pacific Asia Travel Association. From the perspectives of digitalization and artificial intelligence, the report conducts a systematic assessment of major tourism cities worldwide across multiple dimensions, including digital infrastructure, smart tourism applications, and data service systems. The report also unveiled the Top 10 Global Digital Tourism Pioneer Cities, with Beijing ranking first.

The summit also released Ten Application Scenarios of Science and Technology in Cultural Tourism in Beijing, covering a wide range of innovative areas such as robotic smart services, AI-powered travel concierges, and digital revitalization of cultural relics. Spanning the entire visitor journey and the full chain of culture and tourism operations, these applications showcase the strong foundation and technological capabilities underpinning Beijing's digital culture and tourism development.

During the summit, the World Tourism Cities Federation held a ceremony to welcome 11 new members. Cities including Agnibilékrou, Aqaba, Bishkek, Brezno, Latacunga, and Yichang, along with tourism institutions including Shaha Tourism, NMagic Tamitrip Visa company, joined the federation. The new members jointly launched the Beijing Initiative.

Initiated and founded in Beijing, the World Tourism Cities Federation is the world's first city-centric international tourism organization. It currently has 263 members covering 89 countries and regions worldwide, with the Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit standing as its flagship annual event.

(Source: CRI Online)