The 2018 China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province from Sept 9 to 10. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Hangzhou, Zhejiang province is joining with the United States to promote bilateral tourism following the 12th China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit, which was held in the city from Sept 9 to 10.

Themed on "Culture and Tourism", the two-day gathering, co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and Brand USA, is designed to provide a platform for discussion between US and Chinese industry leaders and government officials about sharing best practices in marketing and addressing issues impacting tourism.

Li Jinzao, vice-minister of culture and tourism, noted that bilateral exchanges between China and the US have grown rapidly over the past decade. Tourism exports account for more than 60 percent of the total US export value of service trade to China.

"Brand USA is excited to introduce our music platform to industry and government leadership in China," said Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA, adding that the US is willing to share the best practices and experience in the marketing of culture and tourism, while gaining the same from Chinese counterparts.

The annual leadership summit is held by Chinese and US cities in turns, with Shanghai, Qingdao and Nanjing having hosted previous sessions. The 2019 session will be held in Seattle, Washington, according to Thompson.

Following the announcement, Hangzhou signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Seattle for tourism cooperation.

In 2016, the United States received nearly 3 million Chinese tourists, an increase of 15 percent year-on-year. China is the fifth-largest international market for the United States, generating a total of $33 billion in travel exports.

Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA, makes a keynote speech at the 2018 China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Sept 9. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Hangzhou, Zhejiang province signs a strategic cooperation agreement with Seattle, Washington, the United States, to jointly promote tourism development at the 2018 China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit on Sept 9. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]