Natalia Bayona, executive director of UN Tourism, led a delegation to visit Beijing International Studies University (BISU) on April 16.
Ji Jinbiao, deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee and president of the university, met with the delegation. He introduced BISU's achievements of internationalization, underscoring that the cooperation with UN Tourism is in line with its mission and strength.
He mentioned BISU's efforts in promoting "Chinese+Tourism" and its cooperation with tourism institutions in Panama and Morocco, supported by the Confucius Institutes there.
He also pointed out that China's tourism industry enjoys sound momentum, and welcomed Bayona to visit China frequently to learn more about China's tourism.
Bayona expressed her gratitude for BISU's warm reception. She spoke highly of the university's disciplinary strength in foreign language and tourism, saying that BISU is regarded as the most important partner university of UN Tourism in China and the two sides share a common vision.
She pointed out China's pivotal role in the international tourism market, adding that its stable development environment, favorable visa policies, convenient digital payments and other technological advantages are conducive to the prosperity of the tourism. She expressed UN Tourism's willingness to strengthen tourism education cooperation and to share more educational resources with BISU.
The two sides renewed the cooperation framework agreement and signed agreements on the students' internship and cooperation in running schools.
Ji, on behalf of the university, awarded the certificate of honorary professor to Bayona. It is the first time that BISU appointed a senior official of an international organization as an honorary professor.
Zheng Chengjun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BISU Committee and vice-president of the university, presided over the award ceremony. He introduced the cooperation between the two sides and Bayona's background.
He said that BISU expected Bayona to inspire more students to contribute to exchanges between civilizations and world development and prosperity with her professional knowledge, global vision and outstanding leadership.
Bayona delivered a keynote speech entitled "China's Tourism Innovation and Investment" at BISU's School of Tourism Sciences after the meeting.
She spoke about the current situation and future development of China's tourism, analyzing the investment in tourism and explaining the innovation path of the industry and the necessity of digital transformation.
The trend of the tourism development and students' academic and career plans were discussed in the Q&A session.
The delegation also paid a visit to BISU's history museum and the big data lab for culture and tourism of the China Academy of Culture and Tourism.
Bayona posted her visits, signing of the agreements and being appointed as an honorary professor on her social media platforms on that day.
UN Tourism was founded on Jan 2, 1975, with its headquarters in Madrid, Spain. It aims to enhance the well-being of individuals, safeguard the natural environment, stimulate economic advancement and foster international harmony. So far, it has 160 full member countries, six associate member countries and two observer countries.
BISU has implemented a wide range of cooperative initiatives with UN Tourism. In December 2019, it signed a cooperation framework agreement with UN Tourism. In 2023, it successfully hosted the "Chinese+Tourism" Online Training Program for UN Tourism officials and international tourism professionals. One of its professors was appointed as the first Chinese international tourism planning expert of UN Tourism. BISU leaders were also invited to visit UN Tourism and attend its 25th annual meeting.
