International-themed performance at the awards ceremony.

Kang Gye-Doo, vice-mayor for Economic Affairs of Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea, said his city has learned not to copy Paris and Rome by rote.

"Each city has its own strength, he said. "European cities are appealing for their history. It's something we don't have. But we're making our own history."

Kang said the city now finds its strength in technology and plans to hold "an Olympic Games for robots".

Kang said joining in the WTCF and the summit reinforced his understanding of the broad-based industry. "Tourism is not only about sightseeing. It merges economics, politics, technology and more. It's about everything," he said.

sunye@chinadaily.com.cn