On 1-3 August 2013, Dunhuang (Gansu, China) will host the 6th UNWTO International Meeting on Silk Road Tourism, an event jointly organized by UNWTO, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Gansu Province of China. The Meeting is also organized in collaboration with the China Chamber of Tourism, the members of which are the major tourism operational and investment companies throughout China.
As of June 2013, the UNWTO Silk Road Programme now counts 31 Member States: Indonesia and San Marino are the most recent incorporations to the programme.
For more informations please see: http://silkroad.unwto.org/en/event/6th-unwto-international-meeting-silk-road-tourism

Objectives of the 6th UNWTO International Meeting on Silk Road Tourism
The 6th UNWTO International Meeting on Silk Road Tourism will bring together experts in the fields of tourism, marketing, investment and heritage management to discuss how to raise the profile of Silk Road tourism and drive development that is sustainable, responsible and internationally competitive. The Meeting will look at how stakeholders can leverage from the Silk Road’s positioning and help rebuild the world’s most important travel route.
Topics to be addressed at the Meeting will include:
• World tourism trends and outlook for the Silk Road region
• Creating a stronger environment for business growth and investment
• The important role of Silk Road cities
• Developing and enhancing the Silk Road product
• Facilitating travel to strengthen the Silk Road’s extensive network of destinations
• Addressing environmental concerns and safeguarding heritage

Gansu and the Silk Road
Gansu is home to many ancient monuments along the Silk Road including temples, monasteries, pagodas, towers and ancient palaces. The architecture, crops and attractions of Gansu still have the influence of the people who settled and passed by during the time of the ancient Silk Road.
Furthermore, the Silk Road has been listed as the number one route of the top 12 routes in China by the China National Tourism Administration. With its rich cultural and natural attractions, Gansu is rapidly establishing itself as one of the world’s top Silk Road destinations.