## IMTA Annual Conference 2024: A Call for Inclusive and Innovative Mountain Tourism
The picturesque Guizhou Province in China served as the backdrop for the
International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference 2024
in Xingyi, a city nestled within the region’s scenic mountains. The conference, held on September 26th, brought together a diverse group of experts, leaders, and innovators from the global tourism industry, united by a common goal:to shape the future of mountain tourism by embracing inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
Under the theme “Inclusiveness, Mutual Learning, Innovation—Empowering Sustainable Mountain Tourism with New Quality Productive Forces,” the conference fostered dialogue and collaboration around creating sustainable pathways for mountain tourism development. The event focused on how new productive forces, including technological advancements and inclusive practices, can be harnessed to reshape the industry, making it more resilient, responsible, and aligned with environmental preservation.
A Shift towards Sustainable Prosperity
Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of IMTA
, emphasized the significance of this year’s conference, marking a crucial shift for the tourism industry from recovery to sustainable prosperity. “The IMTA Annual Conference is not only a grand event for our members but also a significant exchange and cooperation platform for the mountain tourism industry,” he stated in his video message.De Villepin highlighted the evolving landscape of global tourism, where mountain tourism is gaining momentum, presenting both new opportunities and challenges. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive analysis of industry trends and the importance of collaborative efforts between governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to refine policies, improve the tourism environment, and enhance services.
A Vision for the Future of Mountain Tourism
The IMTA’s focus on sustainable mountain tourism is a testament to its commitment to ensuring the long-term health and well-being of mountain regions.
He Yafei, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of IMTA
, pointed out that the organization embraces an open and inclusive approach, fostering mutual learning and respect for diverse cultures. This dedication to inclusivity is evident in the IMTA’s initiatives that integrate culture, education, science, and tourism to drive sustainable development and innovative models in mountain tourism.Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman of IMTA
, added that sustainable mountain tourism goes beyond economic growth. It encompasses fulfilling social responsibilities such as promoting cultural exchange, revitalizing local economies, and safeguarding the environment. Ho emphasized the importance of addressing the impacts of climate change, the reorganization of global supply chains, and rapid technological advancements on mountain tourism.IMTA: A Leader in Mountain Tourism
The IMTA has consistently prioritized ecological preservation, green development, and collaboration through its strong network. The organization leverages its extensive reach to promote innovative uses of mountain resources, cultural heritage preservation, and regional economic growth.
Fu Yingchun, Vice Chairman and Executive Secretary-General of IMTA
, provided an overview of the alliance’s achievements in 2024 and outlined its goals for 2025. He highlighted the continuous growth of the IMTA’s “Integrated Mountain Tourism” platform and the success of its core initiatives, including the International Mountain Tourism Day, the Annual Conference Forum, and the Asian Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference.Recognizing Excellence in Mountain Tourism
The conference saw the release of the Certification Criteria of World Famous Tourism Mountains, recognizing 14 iconic sites globally. This recognition reinforces efforts to protect and utilize mountain tourism resources while advancing global mountain tourism governance systems.
Additionally, three newly certified “IMTA International Mountain Hiking Demonstration Routes” located in China’s Hengshan and Songshan regions were awarded plaques. These routes are part of the renowned Five Sacred Mountains Hiking Routes, further promoting world-class hiking tourism.
Building Collaboration for Sustainable Prosperity
The IMTA’s commitment to fostering collaboration was evident in the establishment of an IMTA liaison office in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province. This office aims to strengthen collaboration and development momentum within the alliance.
Xingyi, a city rich in mountain tourism resources and cultural heritage, will serve as a key hub for future IMTA activities. The IMTA Expert Committee, formed in 2020, comprises 24 global experts who provide intellectual and technical support for the alliance’s future initiatives. New members were introduced during the event, expanding IMTA’s network of industry connections.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Mountain Tourism
The IMTA Annual Conference 2024 provided a platform for global stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on shaping a more sustainable future for mountain tourism. The conference highlighted the importance of embracing inclusivity, mutual learning, and innovation as the key drivers of success in the evolving tourism landscape. By focusing on the balance between development and conservation, IMTA continues to lead the way in ensuring that the natural beauty of mountain regions is preserved for generations to come.
