A delegation from Dushanbe is visiting the Chinese cities of Qingdao, Xiamen and Chengdu, as well as Hainan province, to expand sister-city cooperation in tourism, following directives from Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali, the city administration’s tourism development department told the NIAT Khovar news agency.

The visit aims to strengthen ties between the cities, promote tourism exchanges, share experience and lay the groundwork for joint initiatives.

During the first stage of the visit, from Oct. 8-10, the delegation was in Qingdao, where it studied the city’s approach to tourism development, infrastructure use, tourism services and the organization of international events.

On Oct. 9, the delegation met with representatives of Qingdao’s international relations, tourism and culture departments, as well as local tourism associations and companies.

Discussions focused on establishing direct links between tourism businesses in the two cities, developing joint itineraries, arranging tourist group exchanges, using digital tools to promote tourism, training personnel to improve service quality and attracting investment in tourism infrastructure.

A 10-day photo exhibition highlighting Dushanbe’s tourism potential was also opened at Qingdao’s Department of Tourism and Culture.

The delegation visited several of Qingdao’s major attractions, including Xiaoyushan Hill, the Tsingtao Beer Museum, the 369-meter-high Haitian Center, the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center and the Qingdao International Conference Center.

At Xiaoyushan Hill, the delegation examined how natural landscapes and urban parks are used to attract visitors and provide recreational opportunities. At the Tsingtao Beer Museum, members learned how the city’s brewing history and industrial heritage have been developed into a tourism attraction that reportedly draws 2.5 million visitors annually.

The visit to the Haitian Center offered an opportunity to study the use of high-rise architecture and observation platforms to promote urban tourism. At the Olympic Sailing Center, the delegation explored opportunities to develop sports, maritime and recreational tourism. The venue hosted sailing competitions during the 2008 Olympic Games.

The delegation also visited the Qingdao International Conference Center, which hosted the 18th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2018. The visit provided an opportunity to examine the center’s experience in hosting high-level international events and consider opportunities to develop business tourism and attract international conferences to Dushanbe.

The working visit will continue in Xiamen, Chengdu and Hainan, where meetings are planned with local authorities, tourism agencies, companies and potential partners.

The delegation will study Chinese experience in tourism infrastructure, digital technologies, international event management and tourism promotion. The program also includes presentations showcasing Dushanbe’s historical and cultural landmarks, modern infrastructure, recreational facilities and tourist routes.