A ceremony to mark groundbreaking for construction of the World Tourism Alliance headquarters and World Tourism Museum is held on March 23. [Photo/World Tourism Alliance]

The construction of the World Tourism Alliance headquarters and World Tourism Museum began in Xiaoshan, Zhejiang province on March 23.

Both buildings are scheduled to be in use by the end of 2020, according to a press release.

The release identified Zhejiang Xianglv Holding Group as an investor in both projects, without disclosing the exact amount of investment.

Located on Xiaoshan's Yushan Island, the tourism-themed museum will be built into a complex that functions both as a museum and cultural attraction, the release said.

The museum will include an interactive exhibition hall, chess club, art center, and sculpture park, and digital technology will be used in its construction and future management.

A ceremony to mark groundbreaking for construction of the World Tourism Alliance headquarters and World Tourism Museum is held on March 23. [Photo/World Tourism Alliance]

The World Tourism Alliance, founded by China, is an NGO launched in Chengdu, Sichuan province in 2017.

The alliance signed an agreement with Zhejiang province to establish its headquarters in Xiaoshan in December 2017.

Li Jinzao, culture and tourism vice-minister, said that establishing the headquarters and museum in Xiaoshan will help create more jobs for local people, boost tourism, and develop the province's economy.