Guizhou Partners with EHL Hospitality School to Boost its Mountain Tourism and New Training for Global Tourism Professionals in China

Published on November 21, 2025

Guizhou, Southwest China’s mountainous province, is making the most of Switzerland’s renowned expertise in hospitality and tourism to develop its high-quality mountain tourism sector. To further develop its tourism services, in June 2025, the Guizhou Tourism Industry Development Group signed an MoU with the EHL Hospitality Business School, one of Switzerland’s leading hospitality management schools.

The collaboration will bring world-class, international service standards into the growing tourism industry in Guizhou, thereby enhancing the province’s appeal for foreign visitors and the overall quality of mountain tourism experiences. Talent development, product innovation, and service standards uplift will be key focuses of this partnership in making Guizhou a prime destination for global travelers.

Enhancing Tourism Service Quality Through International Expertise

The cooperation between GTIDG and EHL will play a crucial role in enhancing the professional quality of tourism services in Guizhou. By introducing EHL’s international standards, the province will be better equipped to meet the expectations of foreign visitors, especially those seeking luxury and customized travel experiences in the region’s breathtaking mountain landscapes.

According to Feng Guanlu, Director and Country Head of China at EHL, the international tourism professionals trained through this collaboration will possess essential skills, including language proficiency, cross-cultural communication, and an understanding of the diverse needs of global travelers. This will enable them to deliver personalized services, ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction across the tourism and hospitality sectors in Guizhou.

A Long-Term Strategic Partnership for Tourism and Hospitality Development

This collaboration, which officially began in 2023, marks the start of a long-term strategic partnership aimed at positioning Guizhou as a world-class tourist destination. As the mountain tourism sector in the province continues to grow, the cooperation with EHL is expected to significantly enhance the province’s ability to attract and retain international visitors.

The partnership between GTIDG and EHL is evolving in response to the changing needs of the tourism industry. The collaboration began with a focus on talent training and has since expanded to cover other aspects of the tourism industry, such as service standards, product development, and brand building. This comprehensive approach ensures that Guizhou can offer not only a beautiful destination but also the exceptional services that tourists expect from a premium travel experience.

Talent Development: Building a Strong Foundation for Guizhou’s Tourism Future

A key component of the partnership is the creation of a comprehensive talent development system that spans senior management, professional services, and technical training. This system is designed to develop skilled professionals capable of delivering high-quality tourism services across the region. The partnership also extends to universities and colleges in Guizhou, where specialized mountain tourism courses are being developed to build a dedicated talent pool for the province’s growing tourism sector.

In 2023, GTIDG and EHL co-established the China Western Cultural and Tourism Talent Training Center, which serves as a hub for tourism education and is helping to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the mountain tourism industry. The specialized courses being offered will prepare students to meet the unique needs of mountain tourism—from sustainable practices to customer service excellence—ensuring that Guizhou’s tourism sector has the professional workforce it needs to continue growing and succeeding.

Guizhou’s Growing Appeal as a Mountain Tourism Destination

The cooperation with EHL is expected to significantly enhance Guizhou’s appeal as a destination for mountain tourism, with a focus on sustainability and authentic experiences. Guizhou’s untouched natural beauty, including its stunning mountain landscapes, waterfalls, caves, and unique cultural sites, positions the province as an attractive option for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in China.

In addition to the natural beauty of the mountains, the province is rich in cultural heritage, with Indigenous communities preserving traditional crafts and arts. The focus on high-quality service and professional talent development will help ensure that tourists visiting the region will have access to a seamless and immersive experience that combines both nature and culture.

The Impact of Tourism Growth on Local Communities

The development of Guizhou’s tourism sector through collaborations like the one with EHL is also expected to have a positive economic impact on local communities. As the region attracts more domestic and international visitors, there will be a significant boost to the local economy, particularly in rural areas where mountain tourism is a key economic driver. Sustainable tourism practices, promoted by the partnership, will help protect the province’s natural resources while creating jobs and providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

The increased focus on quality service and professional development will help ensure that the tourism growth in Guizhou is inclusive, providing benefits to local residents while preserving the cultural and natural assets that make the region so unique. As more tourists flock to the province, the need for well-trained professionals who understand both local culture and international expectations will be crucial to the ongoing success of Guizhou’s tourism industry.

Looking Ahead: Guizhou’s Path to Becoming a Global Tourism Destination

The Guizhou-Switzerland partnership marks an important milestone in the province’s tourism development and underscores the growing emphasis on creating world-class tourism experiences. By fostering a combination of traditional wisdom and modern hospitality standards, Guizhou is positioning itself as a key player in China’s mountain tourism industry.

The introduction of high-quality services, professional tourism training, and the development of sustainable tourism practices will help Guizhou meet the expectations of global travelers and ensure that it continues to attract international tourists. As the province strengthens its reputation as a destination for authentic, immersive mountain tourism, the future looks bright for Guizhou’s tourism industry and the local communities that stand to benefit from its growth.

Building a World-Class Tourism Hub in Guizhou

This strategic partnership between Guizhou Tourism Industry Development Group and EHL Hospitality Business School marks a very bold step forward in establishing Guizhou as one of China’s most sought-after mountain tourism destinations. It is to lay the grounds for a sustainable, innovative tourism sector, deeply rooted in the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region, through people development, cultural preservation, and service excellence.

Focusing increasingly on high-quality services, sustainable tourism, and global expertise, Guizhou will become the destination for world-class tourists in search of unique experiences that combine nature, culture, and hospitality. While the province is further investing in developing its tourism industry, it is also well-poised to reach world-class standards in tourism for any traveler in search of an immersive experience in the midst of China’s mountainous region.