A forum on the construction of the Bama Longevity Health International Tourism Area was held in the Bama Yao autonomous county, Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Nov 1. All the participants witnessed the birth of the Bama Declaration, the establishment of the Bama Tour Union and the cooperation framework agreement.

Chen Jianjun, director of the Bama tourism development committee; Zhu Kongjun, a member of the Baise standing committee and vice-mayor of Baise city; Feng Haifeng, Bama county clerk; Wei Zulin, vice-mayor of Hechi city, and other representatives from 10 counties (districts) took part in the forum.

Chen Jianjun pointed out that the Hechi government should spare no effort to turn the tourism zone into a national ecological health tourism demonstration area and a national pro-poor tourism demonstration zone. It also should put effort into building the first national health tourism resort as well as holding the Bama Longevity Forum with international influence. Focusing on the topic of longevity, the 10 counties (districts) can take advantage of their own unique resources and help each other within the Bama Tour Union, which is operated both by local governments and the market.

Feng Haifeng said, “Since the 10 counties that form the international tourism area are similar in geography, culture, transportation and tourism resources, it is necessary to set up a tourism strategic alliance to strengthen the cooperation in the tourist market to realize tourism resource sharing and promote the development of the local tourism industry.”

At the meeting, representatives from 10 counties (districts) commonly issued the Bama Declaration and achieved a consensus on the cooperation mechanism, joint sales promotion, communication methods and so forth. They also made an appeal to work together to formulate and implement strategies and policies to protect natural and humanistic resources, facilitate energy-saving and low-carbon tourism, and strengthen cooperation between the tourism management departments and operators.

The “Bama Tour Union” Cooperation Framework Agreement ushered in a new era of cooperation. Adhering to the principle of sharing resources, building brands together and seeking common development, the 10 counties will work together to build a world-famous and national first-class tourist destination.