Luxury yacht Illusion Plus leaves Yantai, Shandong province for Monaco on Aug 12, 2018. [Photo/VCG]

Representatives from tourism authorities in China, Germany, Turkey and Mexico agreed to promote tourism cooperation among coastal cities around the world in Yantai, Shandong province, on Sunday.

“The Belt and Road Initiative initiated by China promotes global development on an open, inclusive and sustainable track,” said Zhang Bo, deputy director of Yantai’s tourism development commission, quoting the consensus document.

“We will gather both official and private strength to enhance tourism cooperation among coastal cities around the world in a bid to explore practical ways and successful experiences of sustainable development between coastlines and cities.”

The consensus document, unveiled at the launch of a monthlong festival showcasing the four countries’ natural and cultural attractions, calls for the building of sustainable cultural exchanges, outbound and inbound tourism, and tourism investment mechanisms in coastal cities around the world.

It also advocates the protection of the ocean environment and the sustainable development of marine resources.