On the afternoon of October 24 (local time in Montenegro), Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) held the “Restart the Maritime Silk Road to Discover New Beijing” Tourism Promotion in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Ms. Hua Yafang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Montenegro, Mr. Zou Weinan, Deputy Inspector of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development and Manager of National Tourism Organization of Montenegro attended and delivered speeches at the activity. Moreover, more than 20 representatives of local tourism enterprises were also invited to the promotion and negotiation conference.

Mr. Zou Weinan indicated in his speech that strengthening the tourism cooperation between Beijing and Podgorica represented a specific measure proposed in the “16+1” Mayor Forums. It unfolded a new chapter of practical tourism cooperation on both sides. Focusing on projects matchmaking for tourism enterprises, the conference would greatly promote both cities to create themselves into tourism destinations that share tourism resources, co-build market, send tourists to each other. Serving as the capital of China, Beijing emerged as a millennium-old capital with historical greatness, an open, inclusive and modern metropolis and a tourist destination appealing to the world. He welcomed more and more Montenegrin friends to Beijing.

Ms. Hua Yafang expressed that the event led us to savor Beijing's international touch, antique charm, cultural richness, and modernity, receiving warm response of on-site enterprises and media. She hoped that both cities could deepen tourism cooperation under the joint effort.

At the conference, the Commission introduced tourism resources of Beijing to the participants. It is learned that more efforts would be made to increase tourism promotion in Montenegro and let a growing number of Montenegrin friends know and fall in love with Beijing. All the guests showed great interest in Beijing’s tourism resources and featured products, as well as their willingness to include Beijing into their future tour.

During the event, the delegation launched a symposium with local tourism authority and representative tourism enterprises, and made an in-depth discussion on tourism exchange and cooperation of both cities.