On March 24 local time, CNTA Chairman Li Jinzao had a discussion with Spanish Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria López in Madrid. The two sides exchanged views on issues they concern. The meeting was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Spain Mr. Lv Fan and Secretary of State for Tourism in Spain Mrs. Isabel María Borrego Cortés.

 

Li Jinzao first expressed his condolences for the Spanish citizens who died in the crash of Germanwings Flight 4U9525. José Manuel Soria López showed his gratitude towards Li and said that all related parties shall strengthen safety in tourism and ensure a safe travel for tourists.

 

According to Li, China and Spain are both major countries of tourism and are important sources and destinations of tourists to each other; the two sides shall strengthen communication on tourism information, launch more direct flights, stimulate mutual investment in tourism, support organization of tourism promotion, and enhance cooperation on tourism research and talent training.    The Chinese side hoped that Spain could intensify efforts to train more Chinese-speaking tour guides, increase the number of Chinese signs, and improve the environment to receive and better serve Chinese tourists. Li also said that Spain has had rich experience of cultural heritage conservation and development and China should learn from it. 

 

José Manuel Soria López admired China’s achievements in tourism and said that the rapid development of China’s tourism had made positive contributions to the revitalization of the global tourism. Spain is willing to strengthen its cooperation with China in IT-based tourism and management of tourism and to promote joint development of tourism in the two countries. Meanwhile, Spain attaches great important to China as a source of tourists and is willing to attract more Chinese tourists through simplifying visa procedures, enhancing service quality and improving tourism environment.

 

Before the talks, Li Jinzao and José Manuel Soria López signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism between China National Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism of Spain.