China Tourism Fuels International Growth With Chongqing’s New Initiatives And Partnerships At 2025 Partner Conference

Published on November 20, 2025

China’s tourism sector is making significant strides toward international expansion, as evidenced by the recent 2025 Partner Conference held in Chongqing. This landmark event brought together over 200 representatives from various sectors to discuss strategies for boosting Southeast Asia connections and strengthening global tourism ties. By focusing on fostering international partnerships, expanding marketing strategies, and leveraging its rich cultural heritage, Chongqing is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism landscape, offering new opportunities for collaboration and growth in the coming years.

China’s tourism sector is taking significant strides toward international growth, with Chongqing emerging as a key player in this expansion. On November 17, 2025, the Chongqing Culture and Tourism Group (CQCT) hosted a pivotal Partner Conference at the Liangjiang Holiday Hotel. This high-profile event brought together over 200 representatives from various sectors, including government bodies, universities, domestic and overseas distributors, tourism institutions, and industry partners. The conference aimed at strengthening China’s global tourism ties, focusing on leveraging Chongqing’s cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and growing appeal as a travel destination.

Strengthening Cross-Border Connections

The conference was designed to boost investment, refine marketing strategies, and expand audience reach. Its main goal was to foster a more integrated approach to tourism, with an emphasis on cultivating a robust “Chongqing–Southeast Asia” cooperation ecosystem. This marked a significant step in the city’s efforts to internationalize its cultural tourism, underscoring the importance of regional partnerships and cross-border cooperation to propel Chongqing’s tourism offerings onto the world stage.

Frédéric Roman-Hauduroy, head of France’s Step’In Tourism, was among the prominent international figures in attendance. He expressed his enthusiasm for promoting Chongqing to European travelers, noting that tailored travel itineraries could pique European interest in this fascinating Chinese city. Roman-Hauduroy even volunteered to become a cultural ambassador for Chongqing in Europe, highlighting the increasing enthusiasm for cross-continental tourism collaboration.

A Vision for Global Growth

The Chongqing Culture and Tourism Group outlined three primary goals to realize through international partnerships. The first is to consolidate efforts across various sectors, from scenic areas and hotels to cruises and cultural innovations. By leveraging these diverse offerings, the Group hopes to create a more attractive and cohesive tourism package for international audiences.

Secondly, the Group is focused on expanding its global reach through the newly established Southeast Asia Culture and Tourism Market Alliance. This alliance represents a crucial step in co-developing travel routes that are curated specifically for international tourists while targeting new markets in Southeast Asia. The Group believes this partnership will serve as a springboard for broadening the horizons of China’s cultural tourism industry, tapping into emerging tourism hubs in neighboring countries.

Lastly, the Group is working to foster a creative and collaborative environment by inviting global capital and innovative talent to support the development of new cultural tourism projects. These initiatives will not only diversify the tourism landscape in Chongqing but also raise the standard of cultural tourism experiences worldwide. By working with a range of international stakeholders, the Group aims to set new benchmarks for the industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Agreements

As part of the conference, a series of agreements were signed that aim to expand and strengthen Chongqing’s position as a cultural tourism powerhouse. These agreements include partnerships for 2026 scenic area channel cooperation and cruise market initiatives, all of which focus on fostering tourism growth through strategic cross-border collaborations. Additionally, government and State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) project collaborations were finalized, further enhancing the Group’s ability to bring both public and private sector partners into its growing tourism network.

One key agreement involves the development of tailored cruise tourism, with a specific focus on the cruise market for 2026. As a rapidly growing segment of the global tourism industry, cruises represent a unique opportunity for Chongqing to expand its reach beyond traditional tourism markets. The Group is working with international partners to develop new routes, shore excursions, and cruise terminals that will bring travelers to Chongqing and the surrounding regions, offering an entirely new experience for both international tourists and domestic travelers alike.

Another major highlight of the conference was the ongoing development of Chongqing’s scenic areas, which are poised to become a global attraction. Efforts are being made to refine and expand the city’s tourism offerings to include more high-end experiences, such as luxury hotels, themed cruises, and unique cultural festivals. With these investments, Chongqing hopes to become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic yet luxurious experience in China.

Building a Cultural Tourism Ecosystem

In addition to these partnerships, the conference also focused on creating a more immersive and culturally enriched tourism experience. To help attendees experience the rich cultural offerings of Chongqing, the Group organized a special post-conference event called the “Night of Chongqing.” This immersive experience allowed participants to take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic nighttime skyline from the Golden Cruise, a remarkable journey along the Yangtze River that highlights the beauty and vibrancy of the region.

As part of this cultural experience, attendees were also able to explore the “Culture China” Chongqing Cultural Tourism Caravan. This caravan allowed visitors to explore the city’s famed 8D landscape, showcasing the stunning natural scenery and diverse cultural landmarks that define Chongqing’s allure as a travel destination. These experiences provided a tangible demonstration of what future visitors to the city can expect, blending the best of modern tourism with authentic local culture.

The Role of Southeast Asia in China’s Tourism Future

The development of the “Chongqing–Southeast Asia” cooperation ecosystem represents a strategic approach to positioning Chongqing as a central hub for regional tourism. Southeast Asia has long been a growing tourism market, with travelers flocking to destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. By focusing on this region, Chongqing aims to tap into an already robust travel network while simultaneously expanding its own tourism appeal.

The partnership with Southeast Asian nations will enable Chongqing to promote its cultural and historical assets in new ways, creating a bridge for both inbound and outbound tourism flows. These partnerships will allow Chongqing to co-develop products tailored to Southeast Asian travelers’ preferences, such as budget-friendly itineraries, immersive cultural experiences, and multi-destination tours that connect Southeast Asia with the rest of China.

Cultural Diplomacy: Building Stronger Connections

Cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in this international expansion. The conference not only highlighted the tourism industry’s potential to drive economic growth but also underscored the power of cultural exchange in building stronger international ties. By fostering global partnerships, the CQCT aims to create more opportunities for international collaboration and understanding.

Frédéric Roman-Hauduroy’s offer to promote Chongqing as a cultural ambassador in Europe is a testament to the growing interest in China’s cultural tourism sector. As countries around the world seek new ways to collaborate on tourism, China, and particularly Chongqing, is poised to become a key player in the global tourism landscape. These cross-cultural collaborations can help break down barriers, expand international tourism flows, and ultimately create a more connected and inclusive global tourism network.

The Road Ahead for Chongqing’s Cultural Tourism

Looking ahead, the future of Chongqing’s cultural tourism seems promising. With the support of international partners, investments in infrastructure, and a focused approach to regional partnerships, the city is set to become one of China’s premier cultural tourism destinations. The initiatives discussed at the conference reflect a long-term vision for expanding Chongqing’s tourism appeal, attracting both international and domestic visitors, and driving sustainable growth in the industry.

By embracing innovative ideas, forging strong global connections, and investing in cultural and tourism infrastructure, Chongqing is on track to become a beacon of cultural tourism in China and beyond. The success of the 2025 Partner Conference marks the beginning of a new era for Chongqing’s tourism sector, one that promises to shape the future of China’s cultural diplomacy and tourism growth for years to come.

The 2025 Partner Conference hosted by the Chongqing Culture and Tourism Group was a significant milestone in the city’s journey toward becoming a major global tourism destination. By building stronger partnerships, particularly within Southeast Asia, and focusing on cultural diplomacy, Chongqing is well-positioned to take its place on the world tourism stage. With a blend of rich cultural experiences, innovative tourism products, and strategic partnerships, Chongqing’s future as a hub for international tourism looks brighter than ever.

China tourism is set for global expansion, as Chongqing’s 2025 Partner Conference strengthens ties with Southeast Asia and international partners. This strategic move aims to boost investment, enhance marketing efforts, and elevate Chongqing’s cultural tourism to new global heights.

As the city continues to expand its tourism offerings, it is clear that Chongqing is not just a destination but a vital link in the evolving global tourism network. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for China’s tourism sector, one that will bring visitors from all corners of the world to experience the vibrant culture and unique offerings that Chongqing has to offer.