Global Tourism Economy Forum bets on cultural dynamics

Cultural tourism will be the main focus of the 4th Global Tourism Economy Forum that will take place in Macau from 12 to 14 October, and themed ‘One Belt, One Road – Unleashing New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism’.
The edition was introduced yesterday at a press conference attended by the Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Lai Ieng Kit, the Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, and for the Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Pansy Ho.
“Under the policy ‘One Belt, One Road’ and the Maritime Silk Road, the Forum will allow us to explore different cultures, traditional art forms and explore the different tourism economies”, Lai Ieng Kit said. “This is also an opportunity to promote regional and world development in relation to tourism. We hope that everyone attending the event will feel the charm of this city”, he added.
Since the first edition in 2012 to last year, the number of participants has increased from 917 to 1,260 with all the editions attracting over 3,000 participants from 45 countries and regions. The main sources of participants are Macau (36.15 per cent), Mainland China (31.41 per cent) and Hong Kong (13.95 per cent).
“This event is great for creating local brands in the MICE industry and developing the local economy. While in the past Macau was only about gaming, now the city is a world centre for tourism and leisure. Visitors are interested in our experiences and knowledge about this”, Pansy Ho said of the increasing popularity of the event and its interest to foreign participants.
The Forum – organised by the Macau Government in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – will have Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia, members of the Pacific Alliance, as featured partner countries. Internally, Zhejiang is the featured province due to its important role for the Maritime Silk Road.
“Locally, we’re facing different challenges and we need to brainstorm to create new opportunities and solutions. We have started the tourism master plan and we hope this event will be very useful for it”, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said. “By organising the Forum, Macau can gain more experience in organising large-scale meetings and exhibitions”.
The event will be hosted at The Venetian and will have the participation of ministers from Cambodia, South Korea and Pacific Alliance Countries.
J.S.F.