RCEP-WHCA general assembly held in Huangshan to strengthen world heritage cooperation

On Oct 17, the 2025 General Assembly of the RCEP Member States World Heritage Cooperation Alliance (RCEP–WHCA) was held in Huangshan, East China's Anhui province.

The meeting drew over 180 delegates from heritage sites and institutions across the 15 RCEP member countries, reinforcing a shared commitment to heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and cultural exchange.

Senior international representatives and experts were in attendance, including Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). 

The agenda featured keynote speeches by UNESCO, UN Tourism, GSTC, the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and national and regional heritage organizations.

Participants explored new technologies and models for integrating heritage protection with high-quality cultural tourism development.

During the cooperation signing session, agreements were reached between RCEP-WHCA and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and GSTC.

Huangshan signed partnership agreements with Ha Long Bay (Vietnam) and Huanglong (China's Sichuan), as well as with Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia), to deepen collaboration on heritage preservation and international promotion.

RCEP member states are home to 178 world heritage sites — a rich global legacy that also serves as a foundation for regional identity, economic growth, and cultural dialogue.

Building on the Huangshan Initiative of RCEP-WHCA launched in June, the alliance aims to establish an international exchange and cooperation platform for RCEP heritage destinations to enhance global visibility, expand tourism markets, and drive sustainable development.

Delegates gather at the unveiling ceremony of RCEP-WHCA. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]