Global Mayors Dialogue in Qingdao: Cultivating Cultural and Tourism Cooperation
On July 19, the coastal city of Qingdao, China, became a hub for global dialogue as mayors from various cities convened at the Global Mayors Dialogue. The event was centered around the theme "Wonderful Culture and Tourism, Shared by Sister Cities," and served as a platform for discussions on enhancing cultural and tourism cooperation.
The mayor of Qingdao, Ren Gang, emphasized the significance of such exchanges, particularly in leveraging partnerships to promote mutual growth. Representatives from cities including Minsk, Preah Sihanouk, Regensburg, Piraeus, Shimonoseki, Dunedin, Lagos, and Daegu participated in discussions, sharing insights on their unique tourism strengths and initiatives.
Ren Gang reflected on the collaborative achievements with sister cities, highlighting the importance of deepening practical cooperation. This engagement aims to boost local diplomacy while making it distinguishable and impactful.
The mayor of Piraeus, Ioannis Moralis, discussed his city’s annual "Sea Days" festival, outlining Piraeus's commitment to becoming an innovative and sustainable metropolitan area through intertwined pillars of innovation, cooperation, and digital transformation.
In a similar vein, Sok Phea, the vice governor of Preah Sihanouk, provided insights into his province's immense potential for cruise tourism and eco-tourism, advocating for collaborative efforts towards a sustainable future in marine tourism.
Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, the mayor of Regensburg, discussed the revitalization of historic districts, sharing success stories from her city where youth participation has integrated the historic heritage with contemporary lifestyles. Her thoughts resonated with many participants who believe that such initiatives can significantly enhance the appeal of cultural destinations.
Kukharev Vladimir, chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, advocated for stronger synergies in culture and tourism sectors, arguing that such collaborations not only stimulate economic growth but also foster peace and friendship among different nations. This sentiment was mirrored by Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin of Lagos, who highlighted the potential for innovative partnerships in the green economy and creative industries, crucial for sustainable growth and youth empowerment.
The discussions also celebrated Daegu's vibrant cultural scene, with representation from Park Gihwan who was keen to promote the Chimac Festival, a culinary highlight of fried chicken and beer that has become integral to the city's cultural identity.
Shimonoseki’s vice mayor, Shimazaki Toshiyuki, mentioned leveraging the city's rich culinary traditions to create compelling tourism experiences, emphasizing that unique local flavors can attract visitors.
Sandy Graham, the CEO of the Dunedin City Council, emphasized the importance of showcasing cultural diversity, using the classical Chinese garden, Lan Yuan, as a symbol of cultural harmony within her city.
The Global Mayors Dialogue concluded with participants issuing a united "Global Invitation for Culture and Tourism," signaling a commitment to collaboration that spans continents and cultures. The dialogue not only facilitated sharing valuable insights and experiences but also laid the foundation for a future filled with enhanced cooperation in cultural exchange and tourism development.