Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, and Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, give a toast on stage
The 8th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) was unveiled today (14 October). A grand welcome dinner was hosted by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government at Wynn Palace tonight to welcome delegates from near and far and convey best wishes to the Forum for success as it inspires closer tourism cooperation across the globe with innovative insights.
The welcome dinner was attended by around 700 delegates. The major guests include Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah; Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili; Executive Vice-Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), Xu Lejiang; Minister of Tourism of the Secretariat of State for Tourism of Argentina, Gustavo Santos; President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa; Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, U Ohn Maung; Director-General of Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah and Co-owner of The Al-Sabah Collection, Sheikha Hussa Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah; Vice Minister of Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, Zhang Xu; Chairperson of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Gao Yan; and Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province, Wang Jiang, among other personages.
In his welcome remarks,Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, stated that 2019 is a momentous year for Macao to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic ofChina as well as the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. With the support of the Central Government, Macao is blessed with the tremendous growth by tourism windfall. After the "Historic Centre of Macao" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, Macao proudly joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy since October 2017. The new designation empowers the city to build a diversely creative city of festivity.
He added that in the new era of development, Macao will capitalize on its unique advantages and strive to contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism economy in China and in the world through organizing the Forum.
Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili also believed that over the years, both institutions and individuals have helped make this Forum what it is today. In addition, he remarked that UNWTO is establishing an International Tourism Academy in Macao to foster human capital development in the tourism industry.
At the dinner, souvenirs were presented to representatives of GTEF 2019 Partner Countries Argentina and Brazil, Featured Chinese Province Jiangsu, as well as GTEF’s collaborative partner, supporting units and sponsors in token of appreciation for their support. International and local guests took the opportunity to connect and build friendships with each other during the dinner.
Hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, GTEF is a high-level exchange platform. Themed as “Tourism and Leisure: Roadmap to a Beautiful Life”, the 8th edition of GTEF is leading a series of inspirational dialogues and discussion panels. GTEF 2019 will continue with its diverse program on Day two: special keynote “Rediscovering the Beauty of Traveling, From Theatres to Farmers Markets”; Presentation of UNWTO/GTERC Joint Research Project; Panel Session “The Role of Chinese Private Enterprises in the Building of the Greater Bay Area: Pioneering Diversified Tourism Offerings for a Beautiful Life” in cooperation with All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC); Panel session “Smart Cities to Smart Tourism Destinations: Towards Wellness and Happiness” in cooperation with World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF); Panel Session “The Intersections between Adventure, Sports, and Tourism”; Panel Session “Travel Lab Asia: Challenges and Opportunities of Bringing Tourism Sustainable Technology to Asia Pacific” in cooperation with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); and special interview “Greater Bay Area Tourism Development: An Integrated Approach for Well-Being”. Also featured is the concurrent session “China Outbound Tourism Workshop: Customised Tourism & Potential of Long-Haul Destinations” in cooperation with Ivy Alliance and powered by UBS.
Please stay tuned for more information about GTEF via www.gte-forum.com and its social media channels.
