The world's first International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) was set up in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Guizhou province, on Aug 15. 

The alliance aims to protect mountain resources to achieve the sustainable development of mountain tourism. It will also facilitate international exchanges and cooperation in the field to promote economic growth through mountain tourism. 

Officials unveil the plaque for the International Mountain Tourism Alliance on Aug 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 111 members of the alliance span 29 countries and regions in the world. Dominique de Villepin, former prime minister of France, was selected as the first president of IMTA.

According to statistics from the World Tourism Organization (WTO), mountain tourism plays an important role in world's tourism industry, accounting for 20 percent of the total market share. 

"Guizhou boasts rich mountain resources and has gained experience in developing mountain tourism," said Lu Zhengyong, vice-governor of Guizhou province, when asked about the intention of initiating the establishment of an international alliance. 

He Yafei, secretary-general of IMTA, speaks at the inaugural ceremony on Aug 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"IMTA will lead the world to set standards in the mountain tourism industry and make positive contributions to its sustainable development," said He Yafei, secretary-general of IMTA, at the inaugural ceremony held during the 2017 International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports in Xingyi, a county-level city of Qianxinan. 

The inaugural ceremony for the International Mountain Tourism Alliance is held in Xingyi, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, on Aug 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]