Quick Read
- 2025 Chongqing International Travel Agent Conference held with nearly 400 participants from 40 countries.
- Fiji was guest of honor; multiple international cooperation agreements were signed.
- New policies for visa, accommodation, and payment facilitation were announced.
- Five international figures appointed as 2026 Chongqing Culture and Tourism Promotion Ambassadors.
- Foreign-Language Tour Guides Committee launched to enhance visitor experience.
Chongqing Welcomes the World: Fifth International Travel Agent Conference Opens
On November 5, 2025, Chongqing threw open its doors to the world, launching the fifth edition of its International Travel Agent Conference. Since its inception in 2018, this event has steadily grown in stature, but this year’s gathering was particularly notable for its impressive global reach. With nearly 400 participants representing close to 40 countries and regions, the conference buzzed with the energy of cross-border collaboration.
At the heart of the event was a simple but powerful idea: to position Chongqing as a world-class destination for international travelers. The organizers—the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, backed by ten district and county governments—did not just aim to showcase local attractions. They sought to build bridges, forge partnerships, and create lasting connections across continents.
International Partnerships Take Center Stage
The opening ceremony was more than just a formal welcome. It featured the signing of multiple cooperation agreements between Chongqing’s cultural and tourism organizations and a diverse array of international partners. Each handshake symbolized not only an agreement, but a vision for the future—one where Chongqing’s unique cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes would become familiar to tourists from all corners of the globe.
This year, Fiji took the spotlight as the guest of honor. Representatives from Tourism Fiji, including Josaia Rayawa, delivered keynote speeches that echoed the conference’s central theme: creating memorable travel experiences that transcend borders. The presence of so many international delegates underscored the growing global interest in Chongqing, a city that has often been described as China’s gateway to the West.
Empowering Tourism: New Policies and Initiatives
But the conference was not just about celebration—it was about action. Policy briefings introduced new measures designed to make the city more accessible and welcoming for visitors from abroad. These included updates to visa procedures, accommodation options, and payment systems, all aimed at smoothing the journey for international guests.
Perhaps one of the most innovative moves was the inauguration of the Chongqing Professional Committee for Foreign-Language Tour Guides. This initiative seeks to elevate the visitor experience by ensuring that guides are not only fluent in multiple languages but also deeply knowledgeable about Chongqing’s history, culture, and evolving identity. The hope is that every visitor, regardless of their origin, will leave with a deeper appreciation for what the city has to offer.
Global Promotion: Ambassadors and Influencers Recognized
To further amplify Chongqing’s voice on the international stage, five figures from the UK, Australia, Russia, Thailand, and the US were appointed as the “2026 Chongqing Culture and Tourism Promotion Ambassadors.” Their mission? To share their experiences and insights, inspiring more travelers to discover Chongqing for themselves.
The conference also celebrated the contributions of five international influencers who have actively promoted the city’s charms to a global audience. Their videos, articles, and social media posts have helped put Chongqing on the map for millions who might otherwise have overlooked it.
Chongqing’s Vision: Becoming a World-Class Destination
Zhao Shiqing, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Congress, articulated the city’s ambitions with clarity and conviction. He spoke of Chongqing’s determination to become a world-renowned cultural and tourism destination, emphasizing the importance of advancing international partnerships in the rapidly evolving tourism sector.
Marcel Leijzer from UN Tourism echoed this sentiment, highlighting the city’s rapid tourism growth and immense global potential. As the conference drew to a close, it was clear that Chongqing was not just aiming to attract more visitors—it was striving to redefine what it means to be a truly international city.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Chongqing’s Global Appeal
Looking forward, the impact of this conference will be measured not only by the number of agreements signed or policies announced, but by the lasting relationships formed and the experiences created for travelers. With its blend of tradition and innovation, Chongqing is well-positioned to captivate the imagination of tourists worldwide.
The city’s efforts to professionalize its tourism sector, invest in infrastructure, and embrace international perspectives are already bearing fruit. As more travelers discover Chongqing’s vibrant streets, lush river valleys, and dynamic urban culture, the city’s reputation as a must-visit destination is set to grow.
In the end, the 2025 Chongqing International Travel Agent Conference was more than a gathering—it was a declaration of intent. By uniting voices from across the globe, embracing new ideas, and celebrating diversity, Chongqing is charting a bold course toward a future where its name is synonymous with world-class travel.
Chongqing’s strategic focus on building international partnerships and enhancing visitor experiences, as evidenced by this year’s conference, positions the city to become a model for tourism growth in China. The blend of policy innovation, global promotion, and cultural exchange could set new benchmarks for other emerging destinations.