The 2024 World Indigenous Tourism Summit (WITS) opened grandly on April 16 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. This summit attracted about 600 participants from 27 countries and regions, making it the largest and most attended edition to date, and reaching a new high in the number of participating countries, demonstrating its growing international influence. Several high-ranking Taiwanese officials, including the Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, and the Chair of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Icyang‧Parod, attended the event.
Focusing on Cultural and Ecological Sustainable Tourism, Implementing “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”
This summit’s theme is “Tourism for Cultural and Ecological Sustainability”, aimed at implementing the “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ” (UNDRIP) and promoting the concept of “responsible tourism”. During the conference, industry representatives, government officials, and academic experts from around the world deeply discussed how to foster local tourism by protecting cultural heritage and natural ecosystems. They also examined how tourism activities can effectively contribute to economic benefits, thereby supporting the sustainable development and community building of indigenous peoples.
Icyang Parod: Showcasing Taiwan’s Indigenous Culture to the World
In his opening speech, Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan highlighted that Taiwan is not only famous for international landmarks such as Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, and Taipei 101 but also for its unique cultural heritage of 16 indigenous tribes. The government fully sponsored the registration fees for all participants at this summit to allow more international friends to explore Taiwan’s diverse and rich cultural landscapes through this platform. Icyang Parod, the Chair of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, chose to deliver his speech in the Amis language, demonstrating the unique charm of indigenous culture. The simultaneous interpretation provided on-site further elevated this cultural confidence to an international audience.
Icyang Parod warmly welcomed the guests in Amis language:
“Dear friends, thank you for coming from afar to join this grand event. Here, we share not only our land but also our culture and spirit. ‘TULU’ in our Amis language means ‘three’, symbolizing the third edition of this summit and representing the convergence and integration of diverse cultures. The theme of this summit is ‘Tourism for Cultural and Ecological Sustainability’. We hope that through this gathering, not only will the world see the indigenous culture of Taiwan, but also that we can use international efforts to promote the sustainable development of our culture.”
Icyang also mentioned that the indigenous people possess wisdom of coexistence with nature, a precious legacy from their ancestors. Today, everyone is eager to share this wisdom with friends from around the world, together seeking how to maintain cultural identity while achieving a balance between economic development and ecological conservation in modern society.
International Guests Experience Culture and Ecology in Taiwanese Indigenous Tribes
The schedule for this summit is packed, including 2 keynote speeches, 4 forums, and 6 panel discussions, officially starting from the afternoon of April 18. To enhance participants’ understanding of Taiwanese indigenous cultures and ecologies, the organizers have specially designed three different cultural exploration routes to take international guests on field visits to several indigenous tribes. This not only serves as an in-depth cultural exchange opportunity but also as a feast for the eyes and spirit.
Through field visits, attendees have the chance to interact directly with indigenous communities, gaining a deeper understanding of their lifestyles and cultural spirits. These tribal visits are not just tourist activities but profound cultural exchanges and learning opportunities. For example, visitors can learn how the indigenous people use local resources to craft handicrafts or participate in traditional singing and dancing performances, which are crucial for enhancing appreciation and understanding of indigenous cultures.
Indigenous Tourism Flourishing Under Global Perspective
The TULU Summit is initiated by the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA) and has been dedicated to promoting indigenous-led tourism development since its first edition in New Zealand. This platform not only promotes tourism but also serves as an important stage for international cultural exchanges and policy dialogues. Each summit deepens the dialogue and cooperation internationally, fostering the prosperity of indigenous tourism. The organizers’ decision to host this event in Taiwan aims to further strengthen global connections and enhance the international visibility of Taiwan and its unique culture.
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