International Mountain Tourism Day
About International Mountain Tourism Day
International Mountain Tourism Day (IMTD) Aligned with the historic first successful ascent of Mount Qomolangma (Everest), May 29 was designated as the annual observance day. This global commemoration aims to accelerate the development of an international cooperation and exchange platform for mountain tourism. Guided by the purposes of IMTA to "protect mountain resources, preserve mountain civilization, promote mountain economy and benefit mountain communities".
2024
China-France Civilization Dialogue Summit
Address： Nice, France
Theme：Mutual Understanding among People through Mountain Tourism
Time：May 29, 2024
Review Journal：【More Details】
2023
Asia Mountain Tourism Promotion Event
Address： Vientiane·Lao PDR
Theme：Enjoy the Wonder of Mountains, Share the Beauty of Life, Revitalize the Tourism Industry
Time：May 29, 2023
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2022
Global “Cloud Exchange” Event
Address： Headquarters of International Mountain Tourism Alliance · Guiyang
Theme：Mountain Tourism Promotes Healthy Life and Cultural Exchange
Time：May 29, 2022
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2021
World Heritage Mountain Summit
Address： Nanchuan·Chongqing
Theme：World Heritage Protection and Green Development of Mountain Tourism
Time：May 29, 2021
Review Journal：【More Details】
2020
Virtual Forum on International Mountain Tourism Day
Address： Twitter (TripAdvisor China), Wechat Mini Programs (Trip.com), Tencent News App
Theme：Pandemic Crisis and Challenges & Opportunities for Mountain Tourism
Time：May 29, 2020
Review Journal：【More Details】
2019
First Observance of International Mountain Tourism Day
Address： Kathmandu, Nepal
Theme：The First International Mountain Tourism Day
Time：May 29, 2019
Review Journal：【More Details】
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2025IMTA and UN Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote innovative governance in mountain tourism. Key releases included the ＂Asia-Pacific Mountain Tourism Development Report (2025)＂ and the Gran Canaria Initiative, advocating for eco-friendly tourism and cultural inclusivity. The China-Spain Cultural Tourism Exchange Exhibition integrated fine art, photography, and intangible cultural heritage, fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
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2024Marking its first European edition, the event issued the Global Initiative for Civilizational Dialogue through Mountain Tourism, inspired by the symbolic mountain-climbing diplomacy of Chinese and French leaders. A joint Sino-French team summited Mont Blanc, promoting alpine spirit and sustainable development. A special report addressing climate change and mountain tourism proposed actionable solutions for global governance.
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2023Held overseas for the first time in Laos, the event fostered mountain tourism cooperation under the RCEP framework and explored opportunities brought by the China-Laos Railway. The global standard Development and Assessment of International Mountain Hot Spring Wellness Tourism Destinations was launched, offering guidelines for wellness tourism.
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2022Attracting 3.5 million viewers across multiple platforms, the event featured practices from 15 countries—including Nepal’s Everest Marathon and China’s forest wellness programs—and released the initiative Promoting Healthy Living and Cultural Exchange through Mountain Tourism, underscoring sustainability and mutual learning.
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2021Jinfo Mountain World Natural Heritage site (China) and Indonesia’s Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark signed a Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation, initiating cross-border ecological and tourism collaboration. Leading enterprises, including Shanghai LY.com, signed strategic agreements to advance industrial upgrading in mountain tourism.
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2020The first fully online event connected experts and industry representatives from 15 countries to discuss pathways for recovery in post-pandemic mountain tourism. The 2019 Global Mountain Tourism Trends Report was released, revealing that mountain tourism generated $1.36 trillion in revenue in 2019, outpacing growth in conventional tourism.
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2019IMTA, the Chinese Mountaineering Association, and the Nepal Mountaineering Association jointly issued the Protecting Our Mountain Homes initiative, calling for global attention to mountain ecosystem conservation. The International Mountain Tourism Day flag successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, symbolizing the sector’s pursuit of higher aspirations.
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2018At its annual conference, the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) launched the initiative to designate May 29—the anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest—as International Mountain Tourism Day. This global observance aims to advance mountain resource conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development.