Beijing summit maps digital future of tourism

The 2026 World Tourism Cities Federation Beijing Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit will be held in Beijing from June 1 to 4, as global tourism continues its robust recovery while embracing rapid digital transformation.

Under the theme "Smart Tourism, Better Future", the summit will explore how cities and tourism stakeholders can respond to technological change and shape the industry's next chapter. It will also introduce the concept of "future tourism", reflecting the deep integration of the digital economy with cultural and tourism sectors.

The event is expected to gather representatives from 58 countries and 73 cities, including deputy tourism ministers, heads of international organizations, and mayor-level officials. Several major outcomes will be unveiled, including the World Tourism Destination Competitiveness Index 2026 — The Digital City Edition, and the Ten Application Scenarios of Science and Technology in the Field of Cultural Tourism in Beijing, providing reference points for global tourism innovation and digital transformation.

More than 20 events are scheduled, including the General Assembly, Council Meeting, Opening Ceremony, Mayor's Forum, thematic forums, exhibitions, and a civil aviation-tourism integration forum.

The summit will facilitate agreements between tourism enterprises and overseas travel agencies on mutual inbound tourist exchange. Aviation partners including Capital Airports Group, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and Vietnam Airports Corporation will sign a memorandum to deepen cooperation in route development, operations, and talent exchange, strengthening connectivity between Beijing and Southeast Asia.

A tourism technology exhibition will also showcase over 50 local tech companies, highlighting innovations in AI, robotics, and digital tourism applications.

Additionally, the WTCF Members' Home will be inaugurated during the summit. Designed as a permanent platform serving 263 member cities and institutions, it aims to extend summit dialogue into year-round cooperation and resource sharing, further enhancing Beijing's role in global tourism governance.

Since its launch in 2012, the summit has grown into one of the WTCF's flagship events, promoting dialogue among cities from different regions and development models, while serving as a key channel for practical tourism cooperation and exchange.

For Beijing, the summit also underscores its role as a global tourism hub and a center for international exchange. In 2025, the city received 5.48 million inbound tourists, a year-on-year increase of 39 percent, with tourism revenue reaching 50.56 billion yuan ($7.47 billion), both record highs. In the first quarter of 2026, inbound tourism maintained strong momentum, continuing a growth rate of around 39 percent.

Behind these figures are Beijing's ongoing efforts to improve services, develop new tourism products, and advance digitally enabled tourism. As the headquarters city of the WTCF, Beijing also uses the platform to share its experiences globally while learning from international best practices.

The 13th edition of the summit, opening on June 1, is expected to generate fresh ideas, new partnerships, and renewed momentum for the future development of global tourism.