In 2015

Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism formally put forward the official concept of tourism diplomacy

defining tourism as a “comprehensive strength with both soft and hard power”[1]. Since the launching of the China-Russia Tourism Year

the tourism year mechanism has gradually formed

and the term “tourism diplomacy” has frequently appeared in government reports and officials’speeches. Based on the authorization

support and guarantee of the national government

tourism diplomacy generates tourism flows through the attraction of tourism to establish economic

trade and humanistic connections with the world

shapes a positive national image

serves the country’s diplomacy

and enriches the connotation of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.