News Media

Global Tourism Economy Forum Kicks Off Roadshow at 2019 Featured Chinese Province Jiangsu Introducing the Platform for Tourism Collaboration Opportunities

March 8, 2019, Macao Global Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum”is the top-notch international exchange and cooperation platform designed to promote sustainable development of the global tourism industry with a focus on China, utilizing Macao as a bridge between China and the world to connect people and forge partnerships. With annual preparation and international promotion in full swing, Global Tourism Economic Research Centre “GTERC” or “the Centre” began this year’s roadshow atJiangsu, GTEF 2019 Featured Chinese Province, and made its presence at Suzhou International Travel Fair 2019 in Suzhou International Expo Center on March 8-10. GTERC leveraged this occasion to promoteGTEF 2019to target visitors and participants, including public tourism sector from different cities of Jiangsu including Suzhou, other local and overseas countries and regions; leading Chinese tourism brands like CITS, Spring Tour, SPITS and Younger Travel; theme parks like HB World and; as well as tourism technology enterprises like Ctrip, LY.COM, Octopus, U-tour, and Drore Technology. On the other hand, the Centre actively recruited corporate delegates from tourism and related industries to take part in GTEF’s business matching and exhibition sessions. The Fair is also attended byArgentina, one of twoGTEF 2019 Partner Countries, GTERC took the opportun ity to deepen exchanges with Argentina in preparation for GTEF 2019. The Global Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum” promoted GTEF 2019 to tourism stakeholders of GTEF 2019 Featured China Province Jiangsu and from nationwide at Suzhou International Travel Fair 2019 in Suzhou International Expo Center from March 8 to March 10. Scheduled inMGM COTAI, Macao onOctober 13-15, GTEF 2019will present the theme of tourism and leisure, wellness and sports. This edition will gather an elite line-up of ministers of sports, culture and tourism, top international corporate leaders and experts to discuss policies and trends, and share valuable insights on how the growing interest in pursuing healthy lifestyle and consumers’ demand for sports, leisure and wellness offerings in the 21st century will unlock untapped possibilities of innovation and collaboration between destinations, service providers and investors. In addition toFeatured China Province Jiangsu, GTEF 2019also welcomes two prominent Latin America economies inArgentinaandBrazilasPartner Countries. Through GTEF’s multiple-purpose platform, tourism stakeholders worldwide can seize immense opportunities from the exponential growth of tourism and leisure, wellness and sports, and capitalize on the intriguing interplay potential of China-Latin America tourism market.Mr. Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer of GTEF, introduced events and highlights ofGTEF 2019during the fair. Comprising an exciting programme of keynote and panel sessions, bilateral meetings, business matching, exhibitions, workshops and cultural activities, he called on potential partners within and beyond tourism industry for best utilizing GTEF’s multi-purpose platform to catch the chance of cross-sector collaboration possibilities. GTEF booth presented an engaging experience with interactive games for enhancing visitors’ awareness on the Forum. Representatives of sports, leisure and wellness enterprises were also familiarized for using GTEF’s business matching and exhibition functions to explore immense cooperation and promotion opportunities facilitating their “Go Global” plan. Besides, meetings between major public and private tourism entities and GTERC were held during the fair for deepening mutual understanding, exchanging views and explore collaboration possibilities. Mr. Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer of GTEF, engaged in exchanges with tourism stakeholders at Suzhou International Travel Fair 2019. Stay tuned for more information about GTEF viawww.gte-forum.comand its social media channels:https:www.facebook.comgteforumhttps:www.linkedin.comcompanyglobal-tourism-economy-forumhttps:twitter.comgteforumhttp:weibo.comgteforumwechat ID: GTEForum– END –About Global Tourism Economy ForumThe Global Tourism Economy Forum GTEF is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with World Tourism Organization UNWTO, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC and coordinated by Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC. GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Macao Government Tourism Office MGTO, World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC, Pacific Asia Travel Association PATA, World Tourism Cities Federation WTCF and European Travel Commission ETC.Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 10,783 participants from 89 countries and regions, including delegations from 147 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 570 internationally renowned speakers.

Delegation of Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) attended World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit 2019 in Spain and visited World Tourism Organization to promoting Global Partnership and Collaboration

Led by Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, Ms Pansy Ho, and comprised members of the China Chamber of Tourism and China Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the delegation lent full support to World Travel and Tourism Council.Delegation of GTEF attended the 19th WTTC Global Summit at Seville, Spain on April 2-4. The Delegation was led by Ms Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEFand was comprised of members of the China Chamber of Tourism and China Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Among the prestigious Summit speakers were Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America; Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization UNWTO; Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain; and Gloria Guevara, President and Chief Executive Officer of WTTC and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, to name a few. Ms Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF taking group photo with all WTTC Executive Board Members at the 19th WTTC Global Summit held in Seville, Spain China Chamber of Tourism and China Women’s Chamber of Commerce visited UNWTO Headquarter and met with Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, UNWTO, Mr. Zhu Shanzhong, Executive Director, UNWTO and Mr. Xu Jing, Executive Secretary and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, UNWTO Members of China Chamber of Tourism and China Women’s Chamber of Commerce taking photo with Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, UNWTO GTEF is the top-notch international exchange and cooperation platform designed to promote sustainable development of the global tourism industry with a focus on China, utilizing Macao as a bridge between China and the world to connect people and forge partnerships, as well as a strategic tourism hub of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Year-round efforts are made to deepen mutual understanding and exchange between key public and private tourism stakeholders across the globe, through major industry events, roadshow and trade visit.Global Tourism Economy Forum 2019 will be held at MGM Cotai, Macao on October 13-15, with a theme on leisure, wellness and sports tourism. In addition to having Jiangsu as the Featured Chinese Province, GTEF 2019 also welcomes two prominent Latin American economies, Argentina and Brazil, as Partner Countries. Through GTEF’s integrated platform, tourism stakeholders worldwide can seize immense opportunities from the exponential growth of leisure, wellness and sports tourism, and capitalize on the intriguing potential of China-Latin America tourism market. Ms Wang Ping, Chairman of the China Chamber of Tourism TCC The 1st from the left and Gloria Guevara Manzo, President Chief Executive Officer of WTTC The 1st from the right held an Agreement Signing Ceremony for the future cooperation between TCC and WTTC. China Women’s Chamber of Commerce, China Chamber of Tourism, World Travel and Tourism Council and Global Tourism Economy Forum attended the signing ceremony WTTC Global Tourism Summit 2019 Gala Dinner Reception After Seville, the GTEF delegation also visited the GTEF 2019 Partner Countries, Argentina and Brazil.Stay tuned for more information about GTEF viawww.gte-forum.comand its social media channels:https:www.facebook.comgteforumhttps:www.linkedin.comcompanyglobal-tourism-economy-forumhttps:twitter.comgteforumhttp:weibo.comgteforumwechat ID: GTEForum– END –About Global Tourism Economy ForumThe Global Tourism Economy Forum GTEF is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with World Tourism Organization UNWTO, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC and coordinated by Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC. GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Macao Government Tourism Office MGTO, World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC, Pacific Asia Travel Association PATA, World Tourism Cities Federation WTCF and European Travel Commission ETC.Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 10,783 participants from 89 countries and regions, including delegations from 147 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 570 internationally renowned speakers.

Global Tourism Economy Forum Facilitates Europe-China Tourism Cooperation

GTEF 2018 is an official partner of ECTY 2018. This edition was also acknowledged as one of the “15 high level events where EU authorities held bilateral discussions on ways to develop EU-China tourism cooperation in a sustainable and balanced way”. Global Tourism Economy Forum Facilitates Europe-China Tourism CooperationGlobal Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum” has long been the bridge facilitating Europe-China tourism cooperation. Under the initiative of 2018 EU-China Tourism Year ECTY 2018, the Forum extends its impact in generating reciprocity for collaboration between two of the world’ s major tourism economies. According to data from the European Union EU, tourist arrivals from EU countries to China recorded a 7.9% year-to-year increase from September to December 2018; from January to April 2019, bookings from China to the EU outperformed other destinations with a 16.9% year-to-year rise. Signs are suggesting that the ECTY 2018 collaboration has created ripple effect in inbound and outbound tourism markets of both regions. GTEF 2018 is an official partner of ECTY 2018 and part of its 270 official events. This edition was also acknowledged as one of the “15 high level events where EU authorities held bilateral discussions on ways to develop EU-China tourism cooperation in a sustainable and balanced way”. GTEF 2018 was held in Macao in last October. Under the theme of “Strategic Partnership in a New Era, Rising Momentum for a Shared Future”, this edition brought in the EU and Guangdong as Partner Region and Featured Chinese Province, respectively. The opening ceremony was officiated by 71 ministers, government dignitaries and tourism leaders worldwide. Attended by over 2,000 participants from 42 countries and regions, as well as 1,461 organizations and enterprises, Mainland China and the EU countries represented the top two largest sources of delegates. This edition not only achieved a 72% year-to-year growth in terms of delegates, but also set the new delegation attendance record for Partner Region and Featured Chinese Province. GTEF 2018 was also attended and covered by over 120 journalists from international and local media, generating a media value of nearly US$11 million. Among the highlights of this 2-day event is business matching session. It was participated by 144 enterprises from 23 countries and regions, including 19 EU countries and a half-and-half EU and Chinese enterprise combination. With 1,275 matching sessions were successfully lined up, the setting has vastly deepened the connection between Chinese tourism stakeholders and their European counterparts. GTEF 2018 also hosted an exhibition featuring 16 European enterprises and 4 Chinese enterprises, offering a product and service promotion channel reaching delegates across the globe. Incepted in 2012, GTEF has successfully established a top-notch international exchange and cooperation platform designed to promote sustainable development of the global tourism industry with a focus on China. It utilizes Macao as a bridge between China and the world to connect people and forge partnerships, as well as a strategic tourism hub of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Forum’s achievements have been fully acknowledged and supported by the Central Government. Prior to the collaboration with the EU in 2018, GTEF established cooperative ties with Europe in 2013, initially presenting Portugal and Spain as GTEF 2013 Partner Countries. In 2016, France accepted the invitation as GTEF 2016 Partner Country, followed by the Central and Eastern European CountriesCEEC as GTEF 2017 Partner Region. Facilitating tourism cooperation In March 2019, Italy officially endorsed on China’s Belt and Road Initiative during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Italy, France and Monaco, while 2020 was set as Italy-China Culture and Tourism Year. This April, Premier Li Keqiang attended the 8th Summit Between China and Central and Eastern European Countries CEEC in Croatia for promoting “16+1 cooperation”. It is natural for China and Europe to join hands and push for greater development in the new era. Riding on its distinctive advantages in Europe-China cooperation, Macao is looking forward to making relevant contributions in future – and GTEF is willing to cooperate actively. Stay tuned for more information about GTEF viawww.gte-forum.comand its social media channels:https:www.facebook.comgteforumhttps:www.linkedin.comcompanyglobal-tourism-economy-forumhttps:twitter.comgteforumhttp:weibo.comgteforumwechat ID: GTEForum– END –About Global Tourism Economy ForumThe Global Tourism Economy Forum GTEF is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with World Tourism Organization UNWTO, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC, co-organized by Macao Government Tourism Office MGTO, and coordinated by Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC. GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC, Pacific Asia Travel Association PATA, World Tourism Cities Federation WTCF and European Travel Commission ETC.Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 10,783 participants from 89 countries and regions, including delegations from 147 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 570 internationally renowned speakers.

Global Tourism Economy Forum This Year’s Visited Partner Countries Argentina and Brazil

Led by Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, objective of this mission was two-fold: The Delegation meets the head of state and Ministries of Tourism of Argentina and Brazil, introduces GTEF 2019 and extends invitation to major chambers of commerce, tourism associations and industry leaders to attend related GTEF official events. Global Tourism Economy Forum Visited Partner Countries Argentina and Brazil to Deepen Cooperation, Strengthen Mutual Understanding and Extend Tourism Exchange Delegation of Global Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum” recently completed an official visit to Argentina and Brazil, GTEF 2019 Partner Countries. Led by Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, objective of this mission was two-fold: The Delegation meets the head of state and Ministries of Tourism of Argentina and Brazil, introduces GTEF 2019 and extends invitation to major chambers of commerce, tourism associations and industry leaders to attend related GTEF official events. The latest GTEF visit to its Partner Countries is also dedicated to making contributions for deepening China-Argentina and China-Brazil relations. This is also the occasion which stimulates new ideas for the preparation of GTEF 2019, and eventually fosters a broader tourism exchange and cooperation among the nations. In addition, GTEF establishes the bridges connecting Chinese, Argentine and Brazilian enterprises to explore tourism and investment collaborations and opportunities. During The official visit in Argentina, Left Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of Global Tourism Economy Forum, was received by Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina. The Delegation also paid visit to the Ministry of Tourism of Argentina and met José Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism of Argentina; and Sebastián Slobayen, Secretary of Coordination and Tourism Investments National Tourism Ministry of Argentina. The meeting was focused on exploring China-Argentina tourism collaboration possibilities, particularly on attracting tourism investment to Argentina and facilitating respective business matching. Besides, the Delegation attended meetings with tourism leaders like Alejo Rodríguez Cacio, General Director of InvestBA; Eugenio Bréard, President of Administration of Natural Parks APN; Aldo Elías, President of Argentine Chamber of Tourism CAT; Andrés Miguel Fassi, President of Club Atlético Talleres; and Ramiro Alem, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Inversiones en Turismo InverTUR, and engaged with tourism representatives from Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Jujuy Province, Chubut Province, Rio Negro Province, Mendoza Province and Corrientes Province. The rewarding meetings offered a better picture on the characteristics and prospects of Argentine tourism industry and regional markets. Conversely, Argentine tourism community learnt important information on Chinese tourism market from the Delegation. Prior travelling to Buenos Aires, the Delegation was greeted by Hugo Passalacqua, Governor of Misiones Province; José María Arrúa, Minister of Tourism of Misiones; and Iván Piedrabuena, Director of Tourism of Iguazú. The Delegation met José Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism of Argentina 5th on left and explored China-Argentina tourism collaboration possibilities. The Delegation continued its trip at Brasilia, capital of Brazil. Wang Ping, Vice Chairman of GTEF and Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism, was received by Hamilton Mourão, Vice-President of Brazil. The Forum’s effectiveness was recognized by Vice-President Mourão and earned his promise to attend GTEF 2019 this October. Wang Ping, Vice Chairman of GTEF and Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism, was received by Hamilton Mourão, Vice-President of Brazil. This was coupled with an appointment with Marcelo Álvaro Antônio, Minister of Tourism of Brazil; Daniel Nepomuceno, Vice Minister of Tourism of Brazil; and Leônidas Oliveira, President of Brazilian Tourism Board Embratur at Brasilia. There were also exchanges between various Brazilian tourism officials and leaders and the Delegation on facilitating wider China-Brazil tourism cooperation through market open-up. The Delegation comprehensively understood the country’s different tourism segments, and Brazilian tourism peers became more familiarized with Chinese tourism market in return. Among the attendees were Bob dos Santos, National Secretary of Interinstitutional Integration of Ministry of Tourism; Aluizer Malab B. do Nascimento, National Secretary of Tourism Development and Competitiveness, Ministry of Tourism; Robson Borchio, National Secretary of Tourism Structuring of Ministry of Tourism; Rubem Amaral, Tourism and Sport General Coordinator of Ministry of Exterior Relations; Leonardo Resende, Secretariat of Tourism of Government of the Federal District; Walter Bittar, Government Relations Advisor of The Integrated System of Parks and Tourist Attractions SINDEPAT; Lamarck Freire Rolim, Ethics Counselor of Brazilian Travel Agencies Association ABAV; and Adriana Pinto, President of Brazilian Forum of Hotel Operators FOHB. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF 2nd on left, led the delegation to attend a meeting with Marcelo Álvaro Antônio, Minister of Tourism of Brazil 3rd on left; Daniel Nepomuceno, Vice Minister of Tourism of Brazil 4th on left; and various Brazilian tourism organizations for comprehensively understanding the country’s different tourism segments. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Ho traveled to Sao Paulo and was received by João Doria, Governor of State of Sao Paulo and Vinicius Lummertz, Secretary of Tourism of State of Sao Paulo, for a constructive dialogue around tourism economy. The Delegation later arrived at Sao Paulo and, engaged in conversations with dignitaries and business leader to better understand one of Brazil’s major tourist destinations and share experience in optimizing development of tourism economy. Joining the meeting were Luigi Nese, President of Nacional Confederation of Services of Brazil CNS; Henrique Magalhães Teixeira, Vice-Mayor of Campinas Municipality; Carlos Bezerra Jr., Municipal Secretary of Sports and Leisure of Sao Paulo; Reinaldo Carneiro Bastos, President of Paulista Soccer Federation; André Friedheim, President of Brazilian Franchising Association ABF; Ruben Moratorio, President of Brazil China Institute of Santa Catarina IBCDESC; and Paulo Bastos Cruz Filho, President of Portuguese Language Countries Cultural Union CPLP, among all. GTEF delegation was received by Zou Xiaoli middle, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Argentine Republic. In addition, the Delegation was welcome by Zou Xiaoli, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Argentine Republic; and Yang Wanming, Ambassador of The People's Republic of China to Republic of Brazil, respectively. The ambassadors generously shared the latest China-Argentina and China-Brazil updates on tourism, cultural and economic relations, and expressed full support for coordinating and promoting Argentine and Brazilian tourism community to Macao and participate in GTEF 2019. GTEF delegation paid visit to Yang Wanming, Ambassador of The People's Republic of China to Republic of Brazil middle. Stay tuned for more information about GTEF via www.gte-forum.com and its social media channels: https:www.facebook.comgteforum https:www.linkedin.comcompanyglobal-tourism-economy-forum https:twitter.comgteforum http:weibo.comgteforum wechat ID: GTEForum – END –About Global Tourism Economy ForumThe Global Tourism Economy Forum GTEF is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with World Tourism Organization UNWTO, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC and coordinated by Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC. GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Macao Government Tourism Office MGTO, World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC, Pacific Asia Travel Association PATA, World Tourism Cities Federation WTCF and European Travel Commission ETC. Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 10,783 participants from 89 countries and regions, including delegations from 147 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 570 internationally renowned speakers.

The Alliance for Developing Macao into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Tourism Education and Training Base

FORUM ON TRENDS IN SMART FB SERVICES : Established in 2017, under the leadership of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, the Alliance consists of IFT coordinator, 3 government departments and 9 higher education institutions: Macao Government Tourism Ofﬁce, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Higher Education Bureau, University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Academy of Public Security Forces, Macau University of Science and Technology, City University of Macau, University of Saint Joseph, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau Institute of Management, and Macau Millennium College.Forum on Trends in Smart FB Services is a key event of the Alliance in 2019. The ﬁeld trip in Macao Hengqin will provide participants an update on the latest development of the two cities.Participants of Global Tourism Economy Forum are cordially invited to join this key event. Please refer to the event rundown for more details. RSVP by 4th October 2019. Hope to see you there.Date: OCTOBER 16 – 17, 2019Venue : Macao Institute for Tourism Studies Day 1 Field Trip in Macao Hengqin Day 2Conducted in : Cantonese Mandarin Englsih - SI service provided Day 1 Cantonese Mandarin Day 2