2013-09-19

Global Elites Reunited to Offer New Strategies in Tourism Business Opportunities Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 20

Global Elites Reunited to Offer New Strategies in Tourism Business Opportunities Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 20

The second edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTE-Forum” or “the Forum”), hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, co-organised by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorisation of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, will return to the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre from 18-19 September 2013 (Media registration on 17 September). Details of the Programme and the speaker roster were announced at the press conference today (9 September) at the Tourism Activities Centre (CAT).

Explore tourism’s critical role in revitalising and driving global economic growth
Themed as “Regenerate our Economies: Invest in Travel and Tourism”, this edition of GTE-Forum has invited over 40 ministerial officials and private leaders from globally-renowned corporations to more in-depth discussions on why and how investment in tourism industry can revitalize and mobilise global economic growth. The second edition is expected to command the same force as the inaugural edition, with the attendance of over 1,000 delegates from around the world, including delegations from more than 15 provinces and autonomous regions from China. Approximately 160 local and overseas media representatives will cover this event.

Ms. Cheung So Mui Cecília, Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, said, "Through successful organisation of the inaugural Global Tourism Economy Forum last year, Macau has demonstrated respective capabilities and assets as well as proven itself as an ideal exchange platform. This year we once again bring industry leaders and elites from around the world together to discuss the insights to drive economic growth by leveraging tourism, while there will be over 100 local and overseas media representatives to join the Forum. Macau’s commitment to organise three consecutive Global Tourism Economy Forums allows the city to fully facilitate its platform role that can bring significant influence to elevate Macau’s international reputation.”

Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office added, "This year the Global Tourism Economy Forum is themed as ‘Regenerate our Economies: Invest in Travel and Tourism’, which is in line with Macau’s positioning to evolve as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, as well as its objectives of foster adequate diversification and sustainable development. This edition of Forum comprises of ministerial round table, presentation sessions and discussion panels with a lineup of ministerial-level tourism officials, renowned entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific Region and global level, industry leaders, experts and intellectuals to share their ideas and experience. We firmly believe the invaluable insights contributed during the Forum will provide an important reference for the city’s build-up of World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”

Line up global leaders and deepen global tourism cooperation
The second edition of GTE-Forum will present an impressive line-up of global leaders, including Mr. Su Rong, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People''s Political Consultative Conference cum Forum Chairman of GTE-Forum; Mr. Li Lu, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); Mr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, TUI Deutschland Gmbh and TUIfly Gmbh; Mr. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association; and Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism. In addition, ministerial-level government dignitaries such as Mr. Du Jiang, Vice Chairman of National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China and Mr. Adolfo Mesquita Nunes, Secretary of State of Tourism of Portugal will participate in the Ministerial Round Table in collaboration with the UNWTO session and speak on the subject of global cooperation in travel and tourism.

The Forum has also invited renowned tourism and corporate leaders around the world to share their insights in tourism economy development. These leaders include Mr. Zheng Yuewen, Founder and Chairman of Creat Group; Mr. Arthur de Haast, Chairman of Hotels and Hospitality Group of Jones Lang LaSalle; Mr. Naren Srinivasan, Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate Development of The Hertz Corporation; Mr. Luis del Olmo, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels International; and Ms. Liu Ting, President of Asia Link Group, among others.

Analyse the components of success and foster international cooperation
This edition of GTE-Forum is collaborating with, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), to explore practical solutions to foster tourism economy from a spectrum of perspectives such as investment opportunities and challenges, supportive tourism policy and tourism innovations. Hospitality Session: Points of View from Global Industry Leaders focuses on the economic and societal impact of hospitality sector at the regional and national levels. China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable is designed to demonstrate how Chinese private enterprises follow the “Go Global” policy, build and expand their businesses overseas, promote cooperation with overseas enterprises, and bring in overseas business partners.

Further, business matching sessions, presentations and workshops, have been created to facilitate direct contact and exchange between Mainland Chinese and overseas enterprises and organisations during the Forum period. Various social events such as luncheon, entertainment shows, and Macau World Heritage visit have been specially created for delegates so that they can experience the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures as well as endless innovations of Macau tourism.

Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairman of the Global Tourism Economic Research Centre Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economic Forum, commented, "A high-level international exchange and business matching platform, the inaugural Forum has successfully served as a springboard and established subsequent business networking activities between China and foreign countries. In addition to a wide range of discussion topics, this edition also emphasises the element of business matching, which not only provides first-hand information about the tourism markets in Asia and China, but also continues last year’s success in exploring and fostering cross-regional, cross-sector investment opportunities and cooperation in tourism."

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About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
Hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co-organised by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorisation of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a prominent annual event for the global tourism industry. In 2012, the Inaugural Forum attracted over 1,000 delegates from 34 countries and cities all over the world. The Forum aims at establishing a platform for domestic and overseas exchange and cooperation, fostering and promoting integrated development in tourism and service industries, creating better investment prospects and deepening tourism cooperation, thus bringing new opportunities of economic development for China and the world.

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