New Era, Shared Future: Global companies sign deals to promote tourism

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Most participants benefited one industry just by turning up -- Tourism. And with more and more Chinese traveling internationally, and vice-versa, tourism companies took the chance to wheel and deal just like other businesses at the expo. CGTN's Yang Chengxi reports.

It's the industry responsible for bringing most expo-goers to Shanghai. Tourism companies are signing deals, particularly at a conference on international tourism at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.

REN YIBIAO, CHAIRMAN SHANGHAI ORIENTAL HUIWEN IN'TL CULTURAL SERVICE TRADING CO. "This is a big international platform, we want to use it to boost tourism, trade and promote the integration between culture and tourism."

The event is hosted by the National Base for International Cultural Trade, a company within the pilot Shanghai Free Trade Zone. The experimental zone wants to promote cross-border tourism, as more and more Chinese are traveling internationally.

GAVIN BARRIE EDINBURGH CITY COUNCILLOR "We want more and more Chinese people to visit our country. I'm sure they won't be disappointed."

Cooperation deals signed here are also geared toward attracting foreign visitors to Shanghai.

YANG CHENGXI SHANGHAI "Participants say one of the most important features of a popular tourism city is having a story to tell."

Speakers introduced how Edinburgh Scotland uses culture icons.

GAVIN BARRIE EDINBURGH CITY COUNCILLOR "I think probably our history. We've got a long range of history. Whether it's the loch nes monster, whether it's Edinburgh castle, whisky, golf, you know for a small country we've got quite a lot of things going for us and we are very proud and want to share it with the rest of the world."

According to the World Tourism Organization, China accounts for about 20 percent of global tourism spending. Both domestic and international destinations are preparing for more business from Chinese tourists.

YCX CGTN SHANGHAI.