Participants pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony of the Zhejiang Invites the World: Global Connections Through Diaspora tourism campaign in Qingtian county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, on June 4. [Photo/Tide News]

The first stop of the Overseas Chinese Take You on a Tour of China campaign — part of the Zhejiang Invites the World: Global Connections Through Diaspora initiative — was launched in Qingtian county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, on June 4.

At the launch ceremony, the Qingtian county bureau of culture, radio, television, tourism and sports partnered with the Spain-China Association for Exchanges and Development from Spain to promote Qingtian's natural and cultural attractions. The two sides also introduced new inbound tourism policies aimed at providing international travelers with comprehensive and one-stop services.

During the event, cooperation agreements were signed between Qingtian and the Spanish association, as well as with a Spanish travel agency. The partnerships aim to integrate resources to open new channels for cross-border tourism cooperation.

The event also included the appointment of new "Tourism Promotion Ambassadors of Qingtian", a move designed to strengthen the county's global tourism profile by mobilizing overseas Chinese and international friends.

Correa Orozco Jesus, secretary-general of the Spanish association and one of the newly appointed "ambassadors", said that Qingtian's culture and natural scenery are deeply appealing and he looks forward to promoting it across European markets.

Qingtian is known for its global Chinese diaspora — more than 381,000 overseas Chinese from the county are spread across 146 countries and regions.

By capitalizing on its unique overseas Chinese cultural heritage and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, Qingtian has expanded inbound tourism opportunities and enhanced the visitor experience.

During the campaign, Spanish participants experienced local cultural activities such as stone carving, seal engraving, and music salons.