As a result of a six-month intensive preparation, the first UNWTO ST-EP (Sustainable Tourism – Elimination of Poverty) China project was launched in one of the least developed provinces of China – Guizhou. A Framework Agreement was signed in Beijing on 14 June 2008 involving UNWTO, the Tsingtao Brewery Company Ltd. and the Guizhou Provincial Tourism Administration.

In the framework of UNWTO's existing public-private-partnership Tsingtao Brewery Company Ltd., the company has secured an initial contribution of US$ 500,000,- to support micro-credit financing and other forms of projects in Guizhou. The fund will be used to help the local handcrafts production and distribution to tourists. The agreement will lead to a further one between Tsingtao Beer and Guizhou for detailed project implementation.

“This Agreement not only represents the first such project in China. More importantly, it brings in another relevant Asian Member State to join the global effort in the fight against poverty through tourism”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli.

In its recent meeting with the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), UNWTO also explored the possibility of expanding the ST-EP programme to more provinces of China such as Anhui, Guangxi, and Yunnan, leading to the establishment of a China-wide fund for the development of tourism in the rural areas of the country.

Assistant Secretary General: Geoffrey Lipman
Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
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