The 2024 World Tall Towers Alliance Annual Conference kicked off on October 15 in the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, China.
Representatives from 27 member towers around the globe gathered to discuss the development and challenges of the tower sightseeing industry. The conference focused on sharing insights related to smart tourism, product development, marketing strategies, and scenic area construction. The goal is to leverage each member’s strengths to accelerate the growth of the global tower tourism sector.
Chongqing, renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes and 8D immersive architectural designs, is home to the Chongqing Raffles City, which is the largest single investment project by Singapore’s CapitaLand Group in China. Opened in May 2020, the “Exploration Pod: Cloud Paradise” became a member of the World Tall Towers Alliance in November 2023, marking it as the only member tower representing Chongqing.
In recent years, the “cloud economy” has created new opportunities for transformation within the consumer market. Chongqing Raffles City’s Exploration Pod has consistently innovated in providing aerial amusement experiences, introducing three main attractions: the Sky Mirror 270° glass viewing platform, the Cloud Leap urban swings offering stunning river views, and the Cloud Walk, a 380-meter circular suspended walkway. These attractions aim to position Chongqing as a prominent city landmark and aerial recreation destination.
“We’ve evolved from simply providing a viewing experience to launching thrilling aerial attractions that embody the spirit of our city,” said Liang Yaohua, General Manager of CapitaLand Investment (China) Commercial and Office Management. “The Chongqing Raffles City’s Exploration Pod has become a new landmark on Chongqing’s skyline.”
According to Feng Yuliang, a second-level inspector at the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Committee, the World Tall Towers Alliance Annual Conference serves as an international platform to explore strategies for enhancing the “tower economy.” With the Chongqing Raffles City brand, the city aims to expand its global connections and enhance its visibility worldwide.
Fu Jinling, Managing Director for CapitaLand Development (China) in the South, Southwest, and Central regions, emphasized that hosting the World Tall Towers Alliance Annual Conference at Chongqing Raffles City not only reflects the landmark’s growing international stature but also presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Chongqing’s unique charm and development potential to the world.
Jean-Yves Ghazi, Executive Chairman of the World Tall Towers Alliance and President of the Empire State Building Observatory, expressed that as a new member of the alliance, Chongqing Raffles City’s Exploration Pod invites representatives to experience its unique appeal first-hand and appreciate the vibrant, architecturally distinctive essence of Chongqing.
