Cultural tourism is a key theme at CITM 2018 as the annual tradeshow opens its doors in Shanghai today, a reflection of the newly formed Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s directive to integrate culture and tourism.
Speaking at the press conference at Shanghai International Convention Center yesterday, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration vice chairman, Connie Cheng, stressed that CITM, in its 20th edition this year, has become an impactful trade event for tourism while promoting deeper cooperation and partnerships between Chinese and international tourism stakeholders.
She said: “Culture is the soul of tourism and tourism is the medium of culture. The formation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will speed up the pace of culture and tourism in-tegrated by bringing a slew of cultural products and activities from different parts of China to the fair ground.”
A dedicated health tourism zone is set up at CITM this year. One highlight is the first-ever China (Shanghai) International Health Tourism Forum, which is scheduled on November 17. This day-long programme includes topics like Chinese medical tourism, sports tourism, wellness destination planning & service. Chinese medical practitioners and professionals will also be on site to interact with visitors on different wellness and medical topics during the three-day show.
Meanwhile, host city Shanghai will feature 31 exhibitors at its pavilion to showcase the city’s diverse tourism image.
In addition, a tea culture zone is created to spotlight this traditional cultural offering and let visitors experience a slice of holistic living amid Shanghai’s hustle and bustle.
As well, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, which opens today, is expected to be a major attraction and highlight for the city.
CITM 2018 has attracted 2,245 booths, with 1,542 domestic exhibitors and 703 overseas exhibitors hailing from 107 countries and regions.
In addition to cultural promotion and presentations by various destinations from across the world, about 573 overseas buyers from Europe, the US and South-east Asia are invited to meet up with more than 1,000 sellers.