Chongqing - On March 27, the 2025 Chongqing International Travel Agents Conference (Spring-Summer) opened in Southwest China’s Chongqing.
More than 2,000 representatives from domestic travel agencies and scenic destinations gathered with international tourism professionals and delegates from over 30 countries and regions, including the UK, Denmark, and Malaysia.
On March 27, the 2025 Chongqing International Travel Agents Conference (Spring-Summer) opened in Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)
Strengthening partnerships
"For the first time, we've integrated the National Tourism Industry Conference and the NTPPC National Tourism Products (Chongqing) Procurement Fair, combining promotion and trade under one roof. With over 1,500 domestic cultural and tourism enterprises and 2,000 international delegates, this conference efficiently bridges government and market needs, supply and demand, and domestic and global perspectives," said Zhu Mao, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development.
Xue Yan, Vice District Mayor of Yuzhong District, extended a warm welcome to attendees on behalf of the organizers. "Yuzhong District is the birthplace of Chongqing and a premier tourist hub, showcasing the essence of a mountain city, a riverside metropolis, and a vibrant nightlife destination," he said. "From iconic landmarks like Liberation Monument and Chaotianmen to immersive cultural experiences, our district continues to captivate visitors. Moving forward, we aim to further enhance Yuzhong's role as 'Chongqing's window to the world and the world's gateway to Chongqing.'"
Boosting inbound tourism
Since last year, "China Travel" has surged in popularity, with Chongqing and Chengdu emerging as top destinations for international tourists, thanks to their rich cultural heritage and unique regional charm.
Liu Xiaoming, Chairman of Sinex Rejser, one of Denmark's travel agents, shared, "Chongqing's attractions, particularly the Yangtze River and its urban landscape, are highly appealing to Danish travelers. The 30-day visa-free policy has significantly boosted bookings, making travel to China more convenient. We anticipate record-breaking visitor numbers this year."
Liu Xiaoming, Chairman of Sinex Rejser, one of Denmark's travel agents. (Photo/Deng Yan)
Du Taoran, Chairman of Aoxing International from the UK, added, "The 144-hour visa-free transit policy and increased direct flights have opened new doors for cultural and tourism exchanges. British tourists can now more easily experience authentic Sichuan cuisine and hot pot, while bilateral cooperation in business and education continues to deepen. With supportive policies and expanded flight routes, Chongqing's tourism appeal is set to soar."
New travel routes and collaborative opportunities
The conference unveiled the "Fly Chengdu-Chongqing, Leap Twin Cities" premium tourism routes. Jointly developed by Chongqing and Sichuan authorities, the initiative leverages transportation, cultural, and culinary resources, alongside a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, to introduce 10 curated itineraries along the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor.
On March 27, the 2025 Chongqing International Travel Agents Conference (Spring-Summer) opened in Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)
As a flagship international event, the Chongqing International Travel Agents Conference has successfully convened four editions, attracting global industry leaders each year. Following the opening ceremony, delegates toured the exhibition area, where domestic and international travel firms engaged in in-depth discussions, resulting in multiple on-site cooperation agreements.
In the coming days, attendees will embark on inspection tours across Chongqing's districts, exploring its unique geographical and cultural assets to develop diverse cross-border travel packages and further foster global tourism exchange.