The 2024 ASEAN-Oriented Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Forum kicked off on Sunday in Nanning, highlighting cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Approximately 150 domestic and international guests attended the forum, sharing suggestions on fostering in-depth cultural experiences and cross-border tourism cooperation between China and ASEAN member states.
Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Organization, delivered a speech via video link. She proposed that both sides could enhance communication and coordination in areas such as policy formulation, market trend analysis, and tourism product innovation. Bayona also emphasized the importance of strengthening exchange and cooperation in protecting cultural heritage between China and ASEAN.
Formerly known as the China-ASEAN Cultural Forum, the event has been held 18 times and serves as a high-level platform for cultural and humanities exchange between China and ASEAN. The host region, Guangxi, plays a leading role in China’s efforts to engage with ASEAN and open up to the world. Since the beginning of this year, Guangxi has sent cultural and tourism exchange delegations to ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, to conduct cultural exchanges and promote tourism activities. Guangxi has become a vital transportation hub for Chinese tourists traveling to ASEAN countries and a popular destination for ASEAN tourists to experience Chinese culture.