Tourism roundtable timely opportunity to exchange ideas

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Chui Sai On, said today that the Ministerial Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Tourism Policies, being held in Macao, would provide a timely opportunity for participants to exchanges ideas. Mr Chui said at the opening of the session that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) had worked constantly as a global forum for tourism policy issues, and provides a practical source of tourism know-how to its members worldwide. “Being an Associate Member of UNWTO, Macao has received valuable assistance and guidance in our tourism development, through projects that covered tourism marketing, tourism product development, tourism education and other aspects,” said Mr Chui. He said the ministerial roundtable provided a timely opportunity for tourism policy-makers from the Asia-Pacific regions to exchange ideas on tourism policies when challenges and uncertainties disturbing the balance of the tourism industry remain. “Over the past few years, the evolution of this industry has resulted in dynamic economic growth in related sectors. This rapid and positive development is also due in a great part to the support of the Central Government. We are proud that ‘The Historic Centre of Macao’ has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List last July.” He said that on the other hand, he was also fully aware that opportunities come with challenges. “The growth in visitor numbers and the sophistication of modern travellers are placing new demands on service quality. At the same time, we are not immune to external impacts, positive and negative alike.” He said Macao would play its part in the cooperative efforts to realise the objectives of the meeting.”