Hainan-Macao tourism cooperation to expand, says CE

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said Hainan Province and Macao could expand cooperation in fields such as tourism, cultural affairs and services related to trade. The two places were both in the process of establishing their respective development goals: Hainan as an island known as an international tourism destination; and Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure, said Mr Chui. Hainan and Macao could each serve as a reference point for the other in terms of development, he added. Mr Chui’s comments were made on Monday (11 April) during a meeting at Santa Sancha Palace with the Governor of Hainan Province, Mr Liu Cigui. Successful cooperation in the past between Hainan and Macao had paved a way for closer ties; in particular the launch last year of a regular direct air service between the two places. Such links would further tourism development, boost social exchanges and help trade, said Mr Chui. The visit of Mr Liu would bring Hainan-Macao cooperation to a higher level, added Mr Chui. Mr Liu said Hainan and Macao could work together to develop a greater number of two-centre holiday tours, with Hainan complementing Macao’s status as a world centre of tourism and leisure. The Governor also briefed Mr Chui on the latest developments in Hainan. Mr Liu said the province’s positioning as an international tourism destination could be realised by several means. They included: making good use of the province’s role as a place for international diplomacy via events such as the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference; using Hainan’s unique tourism resources; and by taking advantage of the development opportunities arising from the country’s Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives (referred to jointly as the “Belt and Road”). The Government’s representatives at Monday’s meeting included: the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng; and the Consultant of the Chief Executive’s Office, Mr Kou Chin Hung. Hainan officials at the meeting included: the Secretary General of the Hainan Provincial Government, Mr Lu Zhiyuan; the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Hainan Province, Mr Wang Sheng; and the Director of Hainan Provincial Commission of Tourism Development, Ms Sun Ying.