A two-day conference hosted by one of the world's largest international tourism associations opened in Beijing on Thursday.

The World Tourism Cities Federation's Beijing Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit has attracted leading players and authorities from 82 cities and 44 organizations from 38 countries and regions as well as more than 320 representatives from 126 members.

The total number of participants is expected to reach 600.

Under the core idea of "Better city life through tourism", the federation is striving to offer an international platform for its members to expand the market and cooperate with other parties in the industry.

Song Yu, its secretary-general, said, "A modern city is not only a good place to live, it is also a good place to travel to. We offer cities the information they need about the tourism industry and also bring them tourists."

Initiated by Beijing, the federation was founded in 2012. Membership has risen quickly in the past two years and covers most major tourism cities and regions as well as leading players in the industry.

To date, there are 135 members - 88 cities and 47 organizations - an increase of about 25 percent over 2013.

A statement from the WTCF secretariat said the federation has expanded its membership to cover key tourism areas including South America, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, creating a comprehensive network for its members.

It aims to provide its members with information, market and academic research results, platforms such as summits and expos, as well as training.