Jing'an district's exhibition booth. [Photo by Luo Bin/International Services Shanghai]

The Sustainable Cultural and Tourism Innovation Development Forum, held on June 6 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, brought together experts, industry leaders, and corporate executives to explore sustainable development in the cultural tourism sector.

As part of the 2024 Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo, the event was organized by Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co Ltd.

The forum featured insightful speeches from industry experts, addressing global climate challenges and the role of sustainable tourism in societal and economic transformation.

Jiang Lan, vice president of Shanghai International Exhibition Group, emphasized the cultural tourism sector's potential for green transformation as well as its pivotal role in achieving China’s carbon peak and neutrality objectives.

Sarah Wang, Asia regional director at the World Travel and Tourism Council, highlighted the industry's social responsibility and the critical need for sustainable practices to ensure long-term prosperity.

Key discussions focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices within the hotel industry, aiming to achieve high-quality growth by enhancing energy efficiency, controlling emissions, and managing waste.

The event also highlighted the importance of ecological planning and low-carbon design in developing globally influential tourism destinations. Experts also shared diverse perspectives and practical examples of sustainable tourism development that left an impact on all who attended.