The Second International Rural Tourism Conference was held in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province from July 16 to 18.

The conference, which took place in Anji county, was under the theme "promoting all-for-one tourism, sharing beautiful life". It was hosted by the local administration in Huzhou in collaboration with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

A joint report on international rural tourism development was released by the three participating institutions.  The report, comprising of case studies from 12 member countries, put forward proposals aimed at  improving the development of rural tourism. Case studies conducted in China focused primarily on rural communities in Huzhou.

Dozens of experts and scholars from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative attended the conference. Participants engaged in face-to-face discussions, to better understand the challenges related to the development of rural tourism and ways to increase  in-depth cooperation in the sector.

"The development of rural tourism is a reflection of the fast growing domestic tourism. It also promotes the idea of sustainable tourism advocated by the UNWTO." said Xu Jing, executive director of the UN organization.

In China, rural tourism destinations received 2.1 billion tourists last year, creating revenues of over 570 billion yuan ($84.04) and benefitting 0.672 million farmers.

The host county, Anji, has received much attention for its features and development in nature with one coming from President Xi Jinping who has raised the idea that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" here. Anji's biggest strength lies in its unpolluted waters and mountains; its brightest spot is its beautiful countryside." said Shen Mingquan, Party secretary of Anji, who noted that the county is seeing a huge rise in rural tourism.

Wang Wuzhong, a former workshop owner and resident of Anji has benefitted greatly from the tourism industry after he acquired some old factories and converted them into a home-stay facility named "12 Rooms" several years ago. Business is booming for the entrepreneur in his new venture as increasing number of tourists are attracted to Anji each day, according to Guan Yongfeng, director of the county's tourism committee.

"Wang's successful vocational transition is an epitome of the upgrading of the home-stay industry in Anji." said Guan. Tourism in the county, he asserted, has helped millions of people shake off poverty and improve their livelihood.

The opening ceremony of the Second International Rural Tourism Conference is held in Anji county in Huzhou, China on July 16. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]