Mayors from 17 Countries Gather in Qingdao to Advance Global Cultural Tourism Cooperation

The 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue held in Qingdao, China, brought together representatives and mayors from cities across 17 countries, including Germany, Japan, Greece, South Korea, Cambodia, and Belarus, to discuss expanding cultural tourism and sister city cooperation. The event focused on themes such as developing marine tourism, revitalizing historic urban centers, and enhancing international tourism exchanges to promote mutual growth and cultural connectivity. Qingdao’s leadership emphasized the importance of service innovation and urban brand enhancement as key drivers for tourism development, while participants expressed interest in learning from China's rapid urban governance and renovation experiences. Attendees highlighted that international cooperation in culture and tourism is vital for strengthening global connections and fostering a community with a shared future for mankind. The dialogue also served as a platform to build trust, deepen mutual understanding, and explore sustainable tourism strategies that benefit local economies while preserving cultural heritage. The event underscores Qingdao's role as a hub for openness and international cultural exchange, reflecting its position as the tourism and cultural capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for 2024 to 2025.