Around 30 representatives related to the tourism industry were invited to speak at a round table seminar on "How to build a Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" organized by Macau Government Tourist Office this morning (June 28) at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center in an effort to stimulate in-depth discussion and gain professional insights and suggestions. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U was present at the seminar and delivered the opening speech. Cheong U expressed that the promulgation of the National 12th Five-Year Plan and the signing of the "Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Framework Agreement" further consolidate and support Macau's development as a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure'. The general definition of a "Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" is a renowned destination with world class standard that offers quality public health facilities, a safe environment and a good ecosystem, a place for healthy living, happiness, entertainment and one that offers opportunities for business and other purposes. Another perspective proposes a number of more concrete criteria, including the possession of an international reputation, an internationalized source market structure, a more diverse industry system, an international transportation system, a first-class management and service system, among others. He pointed out that the positioning of Macau as a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure' has drawn great awareness among the community, including the academics, the tourism industry and related groups. In view of this, MGTO has organized a round table seminar on "How to build a Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" during its Annual Marketing Meeting to provide a platform for the Government, the academics, the tourism industry and related groups to express and share their ideas and suggestions on how to achieve the goal of developing Macau into a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure', including the parameters, overall planning and concrete measures towards this positioning. Around 30 speakers presented at the seminar and all the written statements received, over 40 in total, have been compiled as a report and distributed on site. Concluding the seminar, MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes expressed that it is not easy to answer the question of "How to build a "Global Center of Tourism and Leisure". In spite of all the potentials for tourism development, Macau is also facing a number of challenges in terms of tourism diversification, accessibility, human resources, quality control and management. The achievement of the goal will require support and participation from all Macau residents. He noted that the insightful recommendations from the tourism industry and MGTO representatives will contribute greatly to the government's future planning. About 300 participants, including directors and department heads of MGTO, Secretary-General of the Tourism Development Committee and many of its members, representatives of MGTO, speakers and guests attended the seminar, which was followed by a luncheon hosted by MGTO for the guests and travel trade. Meanwhile 57 MGTO representatives from 17 countries/regions will have internal meetings with MGTO directors and department heads over the next days to discuss marketing strategies and tactics for next year.
