A New Era of Tourism: The 2024 Boao Global Tourism Ecology Conference and First Boao Global Ethnic Cultural Tourism Industry Development Conference Kick Off in Spectacular Fashion
September 27th marked a momentous occasion in the world of tourism, as the 2024 Boao Global Tourism Ecology Conference and First Boao Global Ethnic Cultural Tourism Industry Development Conference opened with a dazzling display of technology and global unity. On this day, chosen by the World Tourism Organization as a celebration for both tourism professionals and travelers, an international audience of over 1,500 leaders, experts, and innovators gathered in Qionghai City, Hainan Province, eager to explore the future of tourism.
A Futuristic Opening with a Human Touch
As the lights dimmed and the audience took their seats, the event launched with a captivating showcase of holographic digital interaction technology. The opening ceremony unfolded like a visual masterpiece, painting the room with vibrant colors and futuristic animations. Then came the digital keynote speaker—a virtual human who took the stage, captivating the audience not only with their lifelike presence but with words that seemed to resonate beyond the technology. This wasn’t just a meeting—it was the future unfolding before everyone’s eyes.
The power of digital innovation became a central theme for the day, one that set the stage for deeper discussions on how technology is reshaping the tourism industry. From the United Kingdom to Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Nepal, and beyond, representatives from around the world marveled at this bold new vision, a symbol of what tourism could become in a world increasingly connected by digital economies and global collaboration.
Leading Voices of Change
Amid this high-tech spectacle, the human element remained at the forefront. Tang Min, a distinguished Counselor from the State Council, delivered an insightful speech on the theme of “New Quality Productivity – A New Future for High-Quality Development of the Digital Economy.” In his address, Tang illuminated the challenges facing the digital economy, while also offering a roadmap for how high-quality development could be achieved, particularly in the context of tourism.
Next came voices of regional leadership. Huang Yimin, Vice Mayor of Qionghai City, alongside Zou Xianfeng from the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, and Zhang Jinzhou, Executive President of the World Tourism and Culture Federation, delivered heartfelt welcomes to all attendees. They spoke passionately about the untapped potential of Qionghai City’s rich tourism resources and deep cultural heritage, reminding the global audience that this city, nestled in Hainan’s tropical heart, is ready to embrace its role as a beacon for future tourism innovation. The promise was clear: through this conference, Qionghai, Hainan, and indeed the world, would embark on a new chapter of tourism excellence.
A Warm Welcome: Wu Honghua’s Vision for Cultural Tourism
The conference officially began with a heartfelt welcome speech from Wu Honghua, Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee of the Boao Global National Cultural Tourism Industry Development Conference. He highlighted the unique beauty and cultural richness of Boao and Hainan, setting a tone of unity and collaboration for the future of tourism. In his speech, Wu Honghua emphasized how cultural tourism could be a powerful force for sustainable growth, blending heritage with innovation.
“Boao’s stunning natural scenery, with its delicate beaches, gentle waves, and lush tropical landscapes, serves as a perfect backdrop for this conference. It’s not just about preserving the past, but about using our shared cultural heritage to drive a more prosperous and inclusive future for the global tourism industry.”
His words encapsulated the event’s central theme—fostering a deep connection between culture, sustainability, and global collaboration. Wu Honghua also addressed the importance of integrating modern technology into the tourism industry, stating
“As we look to the future, the combination of cultural tourism with digital innovation and green development will not only enrich the visitor experience but ensure that we create sustainable, high-quality tourism ecosystems for generations to come.”
This message set the tone for the conference’s discussions, reinforcing the role of culture and innovation as catalysts for tourism’s future growth.
Harnessing New Power for Tourism Development
A notable highlight of the event was the launch of the Chinese National Brand Hotel initiative. This initiative is designed to elevate hotels that embrace cultural heritage while offering top-tier service and innovation. Under the theme “One Store, One Product,” each hotel is tasked with providing unique culinary experiences that reflect local culture and traditions. By showcasing regional specialties and fostering a connection to cultural identity, these hotels are enhancing the visitor experience. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism, making it a vital step toward integrating cultural preservation with modern, green hospitality practices.
This initiative is a shining example of how cultural heritage and modern innovation can coexist, setting a new standard for hospitality. Read more about how this project is reshaping the industry [here].
Driving Tourism Development Through Innovation
One of the highlights of the day was a rousing keynote from Long Yongtu, former Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia. His topic—“New Quality Productivity – Driving High-Quality Tourism Development”—captured the attention of the audience with its focus on how the introduction of new productivity techniques could transform Hainan’s tourism industry. He reminded attendees that tourism isn’t just an industry for Hainan; it is the very foundation of its economy, a pillar of growth that demands innovation, sustainability, and a forward-thinking approach. With new quality productivity, Long explained, the tourism industry would gain the power to fuel high-quality growth, creating sustainable, long-term benefits not only for Hainan but for the global tourism landscape.
Following this, Li Xiaojiang, a master of urban planning, took the stage to discuss the urgent need for green development in cities, especially as tourism hubs expand. His talk, titled “Urban Green Development and Community Renewal,” laid out a practical vision for sustainable tourism that not only conserves the environment but also nurtures vibrant local communities. His words were a reminder that the future of tourism must be green, and that without careful planning, the industry’s growth could come at too high a cost.
A Breakthrough for Green Architecture
The day’s excitement reached a new high when Qionghai Boao Bohe Carbon Neutralization Research Institute, alongside China Railway Construction Group, unveiled the game-changing results of their “4+1 Green Low-Carbon Building Energy-Saving and Carbon-Reduction System.” This innovative system is set to revolutionize the construction industry, providing more efficient methods for energy-saving and carbon reduction in buildings—an essential development for green urban environments.
With this breakthrough, the conference demonstrated how tourism can intersect with cutting-edge environmental technologies, proving that the future of tourism will not only entertain and educate but also protect the planet.
Celebrating Excellence: The Global Hotel HAPA® Platinum Award
A major announcement during the conference was the launch of the 2025 Global Hotel HAPA® Platinum Award, recognizing outstanding performance in service, innovation, and cultural integration within the global hotel industry. This prestigious award sets a new benchmark for excellence and will undoubtedly shape the future of hospitality, encouraging hotels to continuously elevate their standards. As the industry evolves, awards like HAPA® will play a crucial role in driving innovation and excellence across global hospitality sectors.
For a deeper dive into the impact and significance of this award, explore our detailed feature here.
Announcing Projects That Shape the Future
But the event wasn’t just about discussions—it was also about action. Leaders gathered on stage for the official launch ceremony, where Long Yongtu, Zou Xianfeng, and Huang Yimin announced the official start of the conference, ushering in a new era for the global tourism industry.
The excitement continued as several major projects were revealed to an eager audience, bringing the energy in the room to a palpable peak. Among the announcements were the Boao Global Leisure Sports and Intellectual Sports Conference, the First Boao Vocational Education Development Conference, and the introduction of the 2025 Global Hotel HAPA® Platinum Award. Each project represents a step toward the diversification and expansion of tourism, linking leisure, sports, education, and hospitality into one holistic vision for the future.
New Ideas, New Opportunities
As the conference progressed, it became clear that the event would spark fresh ideas, open new doors, and forge unexpected alliances within the global tourism sector. Discussions under the broader theme of “Tourism + N” explored how tourism could integrate with multiple industries, from education to environmental sustainability, from leisure sports to vocational training.
In this era of constant evolution, tourism is no longer confined to beaches and monuments. Instead, it’s transforming into a multifaceted ecosystem, where travelers seek not only relaxation but education, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. This conference didn’t just offer answers to the questions of today—it opened a gateway to the possibilities of tomorrow.
Embracing Sustainable Tourism: Green, Low-Carbon Initiatives at Boao
A key focus of this year’s Boao Conference was sustainability in the tourism industry, particularly the development of the Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone—the first of its kind in China. Miao Deyu, general manager of COSCO Boao Co., Ltd. and deputy general manager of Boao Dongyu Island National Tourism Resort, delivered a compelling presentation on the “Operation Theme of the Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone”. This demonstration zone has quickly become a benchmark for the green transformation of the tourism industry.
Experts in tourism, scientific innovation, and low-carbon cultural tourism gathered to discuss themes such as “Green Low-Carbon and Digital Intelligence” and how these trends can contribute to the sustainable development of cultural tourism. This theme of low-carbon transformation is critical as the world moves towards more eco-conscious tourism models, in which food and beverage experiences can play a significant role.
Participants, including IFBA representatives, later visited the near-zero-carbon demonstration area on Dongyu Island, which showcased how sustainable practices can be integrated into the broader tourism industry. The insights gained from this visit are invaluable for integrating sustainability in food and beverage tourism, as culinary experiences can be designed to reflect these green initiatives.
Looking to the Future of Global Cultural Tourism
As the 2024 Boao Global Tourism Ecology Conference and First Boao Global Ethnic Cultural Tourism Industry Development Conference drew to a close, the event left attendees with a wealth of new ideas and exciting opportunities to explore. The discussions, partnerships, and innovations shared during the conference will serve as a foundation for shaping the future of global tourism. This event demonstrated that the path forward lies at the intersection of cultural preservation, sustainability, and innovation.
The International Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) played a vital role throughout the Boao Global Ethnic Cultural Tourism Industry Development Conference, reinforcing the significance of integrating local food cultures into the broader hospitality experience. By promoting sustainable and culturally immersive culinary practices, IFBA helped elevate the conversation on how food and beverage services can enhance the overall tourism experience. IFBA’s expertise in food culture and hospitality ensures that future developments in tourism will remain both sustainable and culturally enriching, with food as a central component of the guest experience.
The ideas generated and partnerships forged at Boao will undoubtedly influence the global tourism landscape in the coming years. As the IFBA continues to champion cultural authenticity and sustainability, it will be instrumental in driving the development of tourism ecosystems that honor local traditions while meeting international standards of excellence.
