A two-member delegation of the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC) went to Portugal from Sept 25 to 29 to take part in the 2024 World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC). 

Chen Peng, Deputy Director of the CIYEC, was one of the two members, who was at the invitation of the World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation.

Representatives from nearly 400 organizations from 59 countries and regions worldwide, involved in fields such as overseas work and travel, Au Pair programs, and volunteer services attended the conference. Participants discussed the future development of youth and student educational travel and talked about potential projects. 

Delegates attend the opening ceremony of WYSTC on Sept 25. 

During the conference, the CIYEC delegation met with David Chapman, Director General of the WYSE Travel Confederation, and briefed him on the World Youth Development Forum and the Action Plan for Global Youth Development organized by the All-China Youth Federation, as well as the center's efforts on international cultural exchanges. 

Noting that China attaches great importance to youth development, Chen said that educational travel could broaden young people's global perspectives and enhance cross-cultural communication, which is of significance for fostering globally competitive talents. The CIYEC is willing to collaborate with WYSE Travel Confederation on cultural exchange and talent development to advance more diverse and comprehensive youth educational travel programs, he added. 

Chapman underlined the WYSE Travel Confederation’s commitment to advancing the standardization and sustainable development of global youth educational travel. He acknowledged China’s rich cultural resources and vast market potential, stating that the confederation is ready to engage in deep cooperation with the CIYEC on resource sharing, project design and standard-setting to create more high-quality educational travel opportunities for youth worldwide.

The delegation also had discussions with over 20 organizations from countries including Australia, Canada, Cyprus, South Africa, Spain, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The discussions focused on talent development and both long-term and short-term youth exchange programs, resulting in preliminary cooperation agreements in these areas. The delegation also attended several seminars and workshops, including a lecture on latest US government regulations, policies and trends made by Rebecca Pasini, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and a seminar by Adolfo Reyes of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) on travel industry trends and insights for 2024.

The delegation meets with the representative of United Work and Travel, the guarantee institution of the Bridge USA, on Sept 26.

The WYSTC is a global leading trade event for the for the youth, student and educational travel industry. It has been held annually since 1992, serving as a platform for organizations involved in work and travel, Au Pair programs, volunteer services, and overseas studies to share insights and explore new opportunities. The WYSE Travel Confederation, organizer of the conference, was founded in 2006 through the merger of the Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations (FIYTO) and the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC). It is also a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).