New UNWTO chief pledges closer cooperation with China

CHENGDU - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will continue its productive cooperation with China, said the global tourism body's incoming chief Zurab Pololikashvili Friday.

The UNWTO relations with China are important, "China is a main partner," and it is sure that bilateral cooperation will "continue in a very productive way," Pololikashvili said during a meeting with Li Jinzao, head of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), on the sidelines of the ongoing 22nd session of the UNWTO General Assembly.

The 40-year-old Georgian ambassador to Spain was appointed as the new UNWTO chief during Thursday's session of the UNWTO meeting. He is to succeed Taleb Rifai, who is set to complete a maximum two four-year terms.

During the brief meeting with Li, Pololikashvili also expressed support for tourism cooperation with China concerning the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the China-initiated World Tourism Alliance (WTA) that was established on Sept 12.

He said he himself witnessed the launch of the WTA and described the day as "historic," and assured his support for the non-governmental, non-profit tourism organization, saying the UNWTO and the WTA "are brothers, sisters."

During the meeting, Li stressed that "the role of WTA is complementary to that of the UNWTO" while expressing the hope for the two organizations to work together. Meanwhile, Li reaffirmed China's support for Pololikashvili's UNWTO leadership.

In addition, Pololikashvili said he hopes for further cooperation between the UNWTO and Chengdu, especially for promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.

The new UNWTO chief, who will take office in January 2018, said he is very impressed with Chengdu's hospitality in hosting the ongoing UNWTO gathering.

He said he will play an ambassadorial role in promoting Chengdu, and China as well.

More than 1,300 delegates from more than 130 countries attended the biennial UNWTO meeting this year, which is focused on sustainable development and tourism.

The UNWTO meeting officially opened on Wednesday in Chengdu, capital of the Sichuan province and an economic center in western China. It will last through Saturday.