‘Nihao Chongqing’: Promoting Cultural, Tourism Ties Between Chongqing, Madrid

Chongqing - On May 14, the "Nihao Chongqing" promotional event was splendidly hosted at the China Cultural Center in Madrid, Spain.

This event attracted an array of influential figures from the cultural, tourism, education, aviation, and media sectors of both China and Spain. Notable participants included He Yong, the Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Spain; Yang Changqing, Director of the China Cultural Center and China Tourism Office in Madrid; Liu Gang, a senior officer at the UNWTO Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific; and Caroline Tensi, a representative from the Madrid City Hall's Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports.

During his address, Yang Changqing highlighted the pivotal role of inbound tourism within China's tourism sector and outlined several governmental strategies designed to attract foreign tourists. These strategies encompass visa facilitation, promotional activities, and international cooperation projects, all intended to enhance the travel experiences of international visitors. He expressed his hope that this event would encourage more Spanish tourists to explore Chongqing, which would be facilitated by the convenience of direct flights enabling spontaneous travel.

Minister-Counselor He Yong remarked on the significant cultural and tourism ties between China and Spain, identifying both as key sources of tourists and travel destinations. He articulated the vast potential for tourism exchanges and cooperation, voicing his confidence that Chongqing would continue to capitalize on its cultural and tourism strengths to offer varied and enriching experiences to global tourists, thereby revitalizing Chinese-Spanish cultural and tourism relations.

Liu Gang acknowledged Chongqing’s proactive engagement in various United Nations World Tourism Organization initiatives, which not only underscores Chongqing's status as a premier global tourism destination but also contributes to the broader development of the global tourism sector.

Caroline Tensi remarked on how direct flights between Madrid and Chongqing have bolstered the two cities' tourism, cultural, and business interactions. She hoped the event would allow Madrid's citizens to uncover the allure of Chongqing and inspire them to experience its offerings firsthand.

At the event, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development and Hainan Airlines signed a strategic cooperation agreement to promote the global marketing of destinations that integrate aviation and tourism. Additionally, Xing Jun, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, granted a license to the Hainan Airlines Madrid Office, officially designating it as the "Chongqing (Madrid) Window of Culture and Tourism," which aims to promote Chongqing’s cultural and tourism profile consistently.

Moreover, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Government of Gran Canaria, Spain, and the China Sanmao Association. These agreements leverage the works of writer Sanmao to deepen cultural exchanges, foster amicable relations, and collectively enhance the growth of inbound and outbound tourism markets, actively nurturing a friendly bond between Chongqing and Gran Canaria.

The event also featured a series of cultural and tourism promotions and a lottery segment. The "Tea and the World: Elegant Gathering" exhibition showcased Chongqing's traditional tea culture and intangible cultural heritage, enhancing friendly relations with Spain and raising Spanish public interest in and anticipation of visiting Chongqing.

The Chongqing Municipal People's Government spearheaded this initiative with support from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, and Hainan Airlines. The event garnered extensive backing from the Chinese Embassy in Spain, the Madrid China Cultural Center, and the China Tourism Office in Madrid.