Mr. Lu, Yong, the Director of Beijing Tourism Development Committee, made a visit to the city of Philadelphia with Beijing delegation after the exhibition opening of Beijing Tourism Photography at the UN, in an effort to promote and boost the tourism industry in Beijing and to invite outstanding tourism city-Philadelphia to join World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF). Mr. Lu, Yong met up with Desiree Peterkin-Bell, the Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Communication and City Representative of Philadelphia. Mr. Lu and Ms. Peterkin-Bell enjoyed a meaningful meeting and signed the memo for the strategic tourism collaboration between the two cities.

At the meeting, Mr. Lu emphatically briefed on the current state and future development trend of World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), especially the core idea of the Federation “Better City Life through Tourism”. He mentioned that the WTCF will hold the Fragrant Hills Summit and World Tourism Cities Expo in September. Mayors or Deputy Mayors of many renowned tourism cities from all over the world as well as representatives of many industries would come to Beijing to promote global tourism collaboration, expecting to attract more than 200,000 people to come and visit. It had already attracted nearly 70 cities and organizations from around the world to become official members, sparked widespread attention from the international tourism industry, since the commencement of the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF).

Ms. Peterkin-Bell welcomed the Beijing Tourism Development Committee and World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), helmed by Mr. Lu, Yong, and also relayed the warm welcome greeting from Michael Nutter, the Mayor of Philadelphia. She talked about the history that, as the first capital of the United State, the Declaration of Independence was born here. Other historical events that took place in Philadelphia such as the signing of the first U.S. Constitution and the first National Flag of the U.S., are testaments of the significance of Philadelphia amongst American cities, in addition to the many unique tourist resources. She conveyed that the WTCF has great advantages and immense potential values in the future. She was confident that with Philadelphia  joining the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), they can promote the tourism industry and cultural development together. She also hoped that through the exchange during this trip, Philadelphia and WTCF could further understand each other’s core tourism resources,  and increas the broadness and depth of the collaboration.

After the meeting, both parties exchanged gifts and took group photos together. The executive vice-president of Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA), Li Li said that it was an honor that the SAFA was able to bridge the tourism collaboration between the City of Philadelphia and the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF). She wished that more and more U.S. cities could join into this great collaboration.