On November 17, at the "IAAPA Legends: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair" held in Orlando, USA, Su Zhigang, chairman of China's Chimelong Group, was officially inducted into the 2025 IAAPA Hall of Fame, becoming the first Chinese recipient since the honor was established 35 years ago. Regarded as a top-tier award in the global cultural tourism industry, the IAAPA Hall of Fame has previously honored industry giants such as Walt Disney, founder of The Walt Disney Company.

Su Zhigang was recognized for his 36 years of dedicated innovative practices and operational strength in the cultural tourism sector. The three world-class cultural tourism resorts he built in Guangzhou, Hengqin and Qingyuan have demonstrated the global influence of Chinese national cultural tourism brands. In addition, Su Zhigang is one of only eight industry leaders worldwide to have won both induction into the IAAPA Hall of Fame and the TEA Buzz Price Thea Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the only one from Asia.