The 10th International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports (MTOS) 2026 has kicked off in Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, bringing together international organizations, government representatives, tourism professionals, outdoor sports experts, academics, travel operators and media representatives to discuss the future of mountain tourism and outdoor recreation.
The four-day conference is being held from November 8 to 11, 2026, in Xingyi City, with this year’s theme, “Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports Presents a High-Quality Life, Breathe Deep in the Mountains, A Slow-Living Sojourn.” The event aims to strengthen international cooperation in mountain tourism while promoting the integrated development of culture, tourism, sports and wellness.
Global Platform for Mountain Tourism Cooperation
The International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports has developed into an important international platform for dialogue, exchange and cooperation in mountain tourism and outdoor sports. The conference focuses on three key elements, resources, source markets and services, while following the broader principles of internationalization, market orientation, brand building and popularization.
The 2026 edition has brought together representatives from Guizhou’s culture, sports and tourism institutions, members of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), international organizations, diplomatic missions in China, tourism enterprises, mountain destination management organizations, tour operators, cultural and tourism bloggers, sports-base representatives, industry experts, scholars and media organizations.
Participants are reviewing the achievements of the past decade while exploring emerging consumer demands, market changes and new development models in mountain tourism. The conference also aims to showcase Guizhou’s experience in developing mountain tourism and its potential as a destination for international visitors.
Conference Highlights Culture, Tourism, Sports and Wellness
The conference features a series of major activities, including the Opening Ceremony, 2026 IMTA Annual Conference and “Mountain Tourism+” exchange forums. Supporting activities include mountain tourism product experiences, the World Famous Mountains Photography Exhibition and 10th Anniversary Retrospective of MTOS, as well as a range of outdoor sports events. An “IMTA · Night of Wanfenglin” Welcome Banquet is also being held as part of the program, providing an opportunity for international participants to experience local culture and hospitality.
Domestic and international experts in culture and tourism have been invited to deliver keynote speeches under the theme “Wellness Empowers Life, Long-Stay Connects the World.” Research findings related to mountain outdoor sports are also being released during the conference, contributing new perspectives to the development of mountain tourism, wellness travel and long-stay tourism.
Guizhou Promotes Mountain Tourism Through Outdoor Sports
Guizhou has emerged as a major destination for mountain tourism, supported by its distinctive karst landscapes, deep valleys, forests and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Qianxinan Prefecture has particularly focused on developing activities such as rock climbing, hiking, trail running, camping and car rallying, while increasingly linking outdoor sports with tourism, culture and wellness.
Several outdoor sports activities are being organized alongside the conference, allowing participants and the public to experience the region’s natural landscapes and outdoor attractions. Key destinations such as Wanfenglin and Maling River Canyon are serving as venues for activities designed around the conference’s message of breathing deeply in the mountains and embracing a slower pace of travel and residence. The approach reflects a broader shift in mountain tourism, where destinations are moving beyond sightseeing to develop immersive experiences combining nature, adventure, wellness, sports and local culture.
A Decade of International Mountain Tourism Development
MTOS was first launched in Qianxinan Prefecture in 2015 and has since developed into an international summit dedicated specifically to mountain tourism. Over the past decade, the conference has emphasized internationalization, market orientation, brand building and public participation, using mountain resources as a platform for international dialogue and collaboration.
The conference has produced a number of declarations, research reports and development initiatives addressing mountain tourism cooperation and sustainable development. These include the Guizhou Declaration on International Mountain Tourism, the Report on Mountain Tourism Cooperation and Development under the RCEP Framework, and Climate Change and Mountain Tourism Responses. These initiatives have contributed ideas and practical approaches for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing mountain destinations worldwide.
Building Standards and New Mountain Tourism Products
Over the years, MTOS has also supported the development of mountain tourism standards and destination-based tourism products. The initiative contributed to the introduction of China’s first prefecture-level mountain tourism standards system, while the IMTA has identified and promoted international mountain tourism destinations and routes.
Among the initiatives promoted through the platform are World Famous Tourism Mountains, IMTA International Mountain Hiking Tourism Demonstration Routes and IMTA International Mountain Hot Spring Wellness Tourism Pilot Demonstration Sites. Such initiatives have provided practical examples of how mountain resources can be transformed into diversified tourism products while strengthening destination branding and international visibility.
From Mountain Tourism to Integrated Tourism Experiences
The 2026 conference places particular emphasis on the integration of tourism, sports and culture, reflecting the growing demand for experiences that combine recreation, health, nature and cultural immersion. The organizers believe that the integrated development of these sectors can contribute to higher-quality tourism products and provide visitors with more meaningful ways to experience mountain destinations. The focus on wellness and long-stay travel also reflects changing tourism preferences, particularly among travelers seeking slower, healthier and more immersive journeys.
Hosted by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and organized by the IMTA Secretariat and the People’s Government of Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, the conference is co-organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, Sport Administration of Guizhou Province and Foreign Affairs Office of Guizhou Province.
Celebrating the 10th Edition
The 2026 edition marks a major milestone for MTOS, celebrating a decade since the inaugural conference in 2015. Organizers say the event has not only witnessed the rapid development of mountain tourism in Guizhou but has also contributed to the province’s efforts to establish itself as an international mountain tourism destination. From its first edition to the 10th conference in 2026, MTOS has continued to use mountains as a bridge for international cooperation and as a foundation for developing new tourism products and experiences.
The 10th edition in Qianxinan is expected to further strengthen international cooperation in mountain tourism while promoting the integration of culture, tourism, sports and wellness and offering new models for the high-quality development of mountain destinations worldwide.
