A Key Prelude to the Global Ethnic Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference
Boao, renowned for hosting the annual Boao Forum for Asia, has evolved into a premier international hub for cultural and economic exchange, attracting world leaders and industry pioneers to shape the future of international tourism.
On March 2, 2025, the Dongyu Island Hotel in Boao, Hainan, China, hosted the Boao Partner Conference, a high-level gathering that served as a prelude to the upcoming 2025 Boao Global Ethnic Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference scheduled for October 24-26, 2025. The event brought together over 500 industry leaders, government officials, business executives, and cultural tourism stakeholders to explore partnerships, investment opportunities, and the broader vision for the future of cultural tourism and sustainable development.
Leaders from China’s tourism and hospitality sectors, along with international representatives, seized this opportunity to exchange insights, announce new initiatives, and strengthen global alliances. This business and networking-focused event was designed to lay the foundation for strategic collaborations, drive investment initiatives, and prepare key industry players, setting the stage for the main conference in October 2025.
Key Highlights of the Boao Partner Conference
1. Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses
The conference commenced with an official opening address by Fu Sheng, Mayor of Qionghai Municipal People’s Government, who emphasized Boao’s growing significance as a global cultural and business hub. His remarks underscored Boao’s strategic role in the global economic and cultural landscape and its contribution to the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, set to be fully operational in 2025.
Fu Sheng highlighted the conference as a vital platform for fostering new partnerships, business collaborations, and sustainable initiatives in global tourism. He reinforced Boao’s positioning as a premier destination for international cooperation and investment, driving forward economic growth and cross-cultural exchange.
2. Launch of the Boao Partner Plan
Strengthening Global Tourism and Industry Collaboration
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the Boao Partner Plan, introduced by Liu Qingshan, Chairman of Hainan COSCO Boao International Convention and Exhibition Co., Ltd. This ambitious initiative aims to integrate tourism, hospitality, and sustainable business models into a unified global strategy, establishing Boao as a premier hub for tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
Key Focus Areas of the Boao Partner Plan
- International Conference Hosting: Transforming Boao into a year-round hub for global tourism and investment summits, fostering international collaboration.
- Green Tourism Infrastructure: Advancing eco-friendly tourism projects in alignment with the Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone to promote sustainable development.
- Cultural Tourism Integration: Partnering with ethnic tourism organizations to blend cultural heritage with modern travel experiences, enriching global tourism offerings.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations between government and industry stakeholders to attract investment and drive long-term economic prosperity.
- Liu Qingshan emphasized that the Boao Partner Plan is expected to attract international investors and tourism developers, paving the way for long-term collaborations in the industry.
3. Agenda Announcement for the 2025 Boao Global Ethnic Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference
The conference also marked the official unveiling of the agenda for the upcoming 2025 Boao Global Ethnic Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference (October 24-26, 2025), presented by Wu Honghua, Director of the Culture and Tourism Work Committee of the China National Trade Promotion Association.
Wu Honghua extended an open invitation to global partners, encouraging businesses, government organizations, and cultural institutions to take an active role in the October event. The agenda outlined an expansive lineup of forums, exhibitions, and policy discussions, all designed to promote cultural exchange, sustainable tourism growth, and economic cooperation.
Major Business and Investment Announcements
The Boao Partner Conference served as a strategic platform for business negotiations and investment deals, resulting in several significant partnership agreements and development projects including:
- Investment Commitments from private firms and multinational companies in sustainable tourism infrastructure and smart city initiatives.
- Strategic Cooperation Agreements between local government bodies and international hospitality groups to develop new resorts and cultural tourism projects in Hainan.
- Hospitality Investments, including agreements between Chinese and international hotel chains for the development of luxury eco-resorts and boutique hotels focused on cultural tourism.
- Sustainable Tourism Collaborations, establishment of a strategic partnership between Asia-Pacific Hotel Alliance and Boao tourism authorities to promote sustainable travel practices and workforce training programs.
- Technology and Innovation Partnerships, with global tech companies partnering with tourism developers to integrate AI-driven solutions into the hospitality sector.
- New Tourism Infrastructure Projects, focusing on the development of eco-resorts and cultural experience centers.
- Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed between tourism boards, hotel chains, and cultural institutions to facilitate joint initiatives in hospitality training, festival collaborations, and tourism development programs.
These strategic alliances between government bodies and private sector leaders are expected to drive economic growth in Boao, positioning it as a global model for sustainable tourism and hospitality innovation.
Cultural and Networking Activities
Beyond business discussions, the Boao Partner Conference immersed attendees in vibrant cultural performances and high-profile networking sessions, including:
- Traditional Chinese performances showcasing ethnic dance, music, and arts.
- VIP Networking Gala, where attendees had the chance to build professional relationships in a relaxed, high-profile environment.
- Special exhibitions featuring global cuisine and tea culture, emphasizing the connection between food heritage and tourism.
Key Themes Discussed at the Boao Partner Conference
The conference covered multiple themes relevant to the future of cultural tourism, economic development, and sustainable partnerships. Some of the main discussions included:
- Strengthening International Collaboration in Cultural Tourism – Exploring opportunities for cross-border tourism projects and government partnerships.
- Green and Sustainable Hospitality Development – Focusing on carbon-neutral tourism, eco-friendly hotel models, and responsible travel practices.
- Technology and Innovation in Tourism – Examining how AI, digital tourism, and smart travel solutions are transforming the industry.
- Ethnic Culture as a Driver for Tourism Growth – Emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting local traditions and cultural heritage.
IFBA’s Strategic Presence at Boao 2025
As a key partner in the 2025 Boao Global Ethnic Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference, IFBA is aligning its initiatives with the broader goals of fostering cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and global hospitality innovation. As a recognized global authority in the food and beverage industry, IFBA will play a significant role in discussions, networking, and event coordination, ensuring strong representation for the hospitality sector throughout the conference.
Expected Contributions of IFBA
- Providing Expert Panels & Thought Leadership: IFBA executives and industry experts will participate in keynote discussions, panel debates, and special roundtables on food and beverage trends in tourism.
- Launching Industry Initiatives: IFBA is set to introduce new sustainability programs and international hospitality certification schemes to raise global industry standards.
- Hosting Specialized Networking Events: IFBA will facilitate high-level discussions among hospitality professionals, tourism boards, and government officials to discuss business opportunities and industry best practices.
Looking Ahead
IFBA will continue to be a platform where voices are heard, ideas are nurtured, and industry leaders come together to shape a stronger, more sustainable, and culturally rich global hospitality sector. As a key participant, IFBA is committed to empowering our community worldwide. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, we aim to build bridges between regions and industries, fostering a more interconnected, innovative, and sustainable global tourism ecosystem.
As we move toward the Boao Global Ethnic Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference in October, we encourage our community to engage, contribute, and be part of this transformative journey—taking an active role in shaping the discussions and partnerships that will drive meaningful progress across industries.
United in this vision, we look forward to standing together in Boao 2025—stronger, more connected, and ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the international food and beverage industry.
