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October 15, 2019, Macao The 8th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum” concluded with success today 15 October after carrying out a fruitful program of discussion panels, special interviews, business matching, destination presentations, exhibitions and more. A closing ceremony was held at MGM Cotai.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 Special Administrative Region Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, and Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, Pansy Ho, were among the major guests present at the closing ceremony.Centred on the concept of “Beautiful Life” raised by President Xi Jinping, the 8th edition of GTEF led profound discussions on global tourism economy under the theme of “Tourism and Leisure: Roadmap to a Beautiful Life”, gaining insights in how a diversified tourism offering can meet the ever-increasing needs of international visitors, enhancing happiness and the quality of life, ultimately creating a harmonious and beautiful life for humanity.Conclusion for the 8th GTEFSecretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, stated in his closing remarks, “This 8th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum convenes under the theme ‘Tourism and Leisure: Roadmap to a Beautiful Life’. As stakeholders in tourism, we should all aspire to a thriving industry that creates beautiful places to visit for travellers, without discounting the quality of life for people living near them.”He continued, “This year, we are glad to partner with these emerging markets, namely Argentina, Brazil, and the Chinese province of Jiangsu, to discuss on the strongest strategies that prepare us for the changes in tourism industry, and link us with the reflection on how tourism and sustainability connect under the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.”He concluded, “2019 is a momentous year for Macao as we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China as well as the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. It is a high time to further our development as a world centre of tourism and leisure, under the colourful backdrop of the Belt and Road initiative and with the collaborative actions with our brother cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In particular, we will continue to make the case for cultural tourism as the key to our ‘soft power’ success and transfer it as a driving force that underpins our creativity sector.”In her concluding remarks, Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, Pansy Ho, said, “GTEF was founded upon the mission of connecting East-West tourism interests; through our collaboration, we are getting down to real business here, consolidating Macao’s potential to become a tourism capital hub in fueling regional tourism growth.Investments are not only channeled into conventional hospitality products, but also in cross-sectoral areas including infrastructure, transportation, gastronomy, arts, information technology, sports and education. With these upgrades, tourists are not the only beneficiaries but the whole destination, the whole community and all its people.Through GTEF, I hope we have also showcased how Macao itself is another living proof of the transformational power of tourism. In Macao, not only have we continued to reinvest, but to reinvent. Blessed by our national policy, Macao is ready to take on another wave of development, as we continue to integrate into the Greater Bay Area framework, contributing our tourism experience to drive cross-industry collaboration with our neighbors, to share our culture and heritage with the world, and instill a sense of national pride among our people.”GTEF 2020 features Italy as Partner Country and Gansu as Featured Chinese ProvinceFollowing that, the Forum announced Italy as GTEF 2020 Partner Country and Gansu Province as Featured Chinese Province. Italy, the first country in the Group of Seven G7 to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with China in 2020. Italy’s partnership with GTEF represents the Forum’s fifth tourism collaboration with European countries and regions over the years, which will further deepen tourism exchange and cooperation between China and Europe. During the closing ceremony, a brief overview about Italy’s latest tourism and economic situation was presented by Consul General of Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong, Clemente Contestabile. GTEF also welcomed its renewed partnership with Gansu since the inaugural edition, as Featured Chinese Province once again in 2020. Associate Counsel of Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Zhang Hua, delivered a spectacular destination presentation at the closing ceremony. Delegates were offered a window on the diverse resources and business opportunities in Gansu, a northwestern Chinese province enriched with profound traditions.Publication of Special Report on Asia Tourism TrendsThe World Tourism Organization UNWTO and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC presented the latest edition of UNWTOGTERC Asia Tourism Trends, familiarizing delegates with the latest tourism trends and outlook of the region, the immense opportunities for tourism development in Argentina and Brazil, as well as the vast potential of health and sports tourism as new growth areas in Asia. The report offered delegates the foresight to tap into golden opportunities for tourism investment and cooperation worldwide.The business matching session successfully bridged 142 tourism suppliers and operators from China, Argentina, Brazil and Europe, unlocking cooperation and exchange opportunities with each other.GTEF 2019 successfully gathered and engaged close to 2,000 participants including ministerial officials of tourism and related fields, industry leaders, experts, scholars and participants from across the globe, along with delegations from GTEF 2019 Partner Countries Argentina and Brazil, as well as Featured Chinese Province Jiangsu.The Global Tourism Economy Forum is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization, initiated and 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 the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre. 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, 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. Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah, and other guests Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, delivers closing remarks Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, Pansy Ho, concludes this edition of the Forum Stay tuned for more information about GTEF viawww.gte-forum.comand on 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.

MACAO – As tourism continues to be a major economic contributor around the world, the industry not only helps create jobs but also helps build a better humanity, a leading global tourism platform has heard. The tourism industry has become an important contributor to meet people’s demand for a better life in China, Zhang Xu, vice-minister of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said at the second day of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, in Macao on Monday.READ MORE Source: China Daily Hong Kong

October 15, 2019, Macao The 8thedition of Global Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum”, under the theme of “Tourism and Leisure: Roadmap to a Beautiful Life”, putsChinese President Xi Jinping’s Beautiful Life concept at the core of its discussion on the global tourism economy, showing that as more people cross-international borders every day, tourism and leisure have the potential to spur mutual understanding and enhance quality of life and happiness, ultimately creating a harmonious and beautiful life for all. The signatureFace to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs session in collaboration with UNWTO session unveiled the discussion yesterday afternoon at MGM COTAI, Macao. In collaboration with UNWTO, the 2019 edition of Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs initiated a high-level dialogue under the topic “How Tourism, Leisure and Sports Lead to a Beautiful Life”, bringing together leaders from the private and public sectors to discuss how innovation and cooperation can give a boost to tourism, leisure and to sports not only leading to a beautiful life, but also enhancing the lives of both the traveller and the local host community.The session was moderated by Ms. Anita Mendiratta, Founder and PresidentofAnita Mendiratta Associates. Mr. Zhu Shanzhong, Executive Director of World Tourism Organization UNWTO, delivered a session introduction. The ministerial speaker lineup featured H.E. Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism, Secretariat of State for Tourism of Argentina; H.E. Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities; H.E. Dorji Dhradhul, Director Generalof Tourism Council of Bhutan; H.E. Marcelo Álvaro Antônio, Minister of Tourism of Brazil; H.E. Tith Chantha, Permanent Secretary of State of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia;H.E. Shehika Hussa Sabah al-Salem Al-Sabah, Director-General, Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah and Co-Owner of The al-Saban Collection;H.E. U Ohn Maung, Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar;and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Vice-Chairwoman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Sports andTourism of Vietnam. They were joined by private sector leaders namely Mr. Robin Ingle, Chief Executive Officer ofIngle-MSH International; Mr. Qian Jiannong, Global Partner, Fosun International, Chairman and Chief Executive Officerof Fosun Tourism Group; James Riley, Group Chief Executiveof Mandarin Oriental International Limited; Ms. Maribel Rodriguez, Senior Vice President Membership and Commercial Acting of World Travel Tourism Council WTTC; Mr. Craig S. Smith, Group President Marriott InternationalAsia Pacific; Mr. Michel Taride, Former Group Presidentof HERTZInternational;and Mr. Wang Zhuan, Co-Founderof Tongcheng Tourism Group. In his introduction, Mr. Zhu Shanzhong, Executive Director of UNWTO, stated, “Emerging middle class and millennials are leaning to responsible tourism. As an emerging tourism trend, consumer favour shifts to personal experience and personal attachment to the community.” This edition got off to a spectacular start with attendance of around 2000 tourism ministerial officials, industry leaders, experts, scholars and participants from across the globe, along with delegations from GTEF 2019 Partner Countries Argentinaand Brazil, as well as Featured China Province Jiangsu. Over 120 international and local media representatives cover the event. The signatureFace to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs session in collaboration with UNWTO session unveiled the discussion yesterday afternoon at MGM COTAI, Macao. Mr. Zhu Shanzhong, Executive Director of UNWTO H.E. Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism, Secretariat of State for Tourism of Argentina Left and H.E. Marcelo Álvaro Antônio, Minister of Tourism of Brazil Right. Stay tuned for more information about GTEF via www.gte-forum.comand 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 Forum The 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 OfficeMGTO, and coordinated by Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC. GTEF’s supporting units includethe 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.

October 15, 2019, MacaoThe 8thedition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum“GTEF” or “the Forum” was unveiled on 14thOctober. 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-Islamiyah 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 of Chinaas 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 Pololikashvilialso believed thatover 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 capitaldevelopment 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 8thedition 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 UNWTOGTERC 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. 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 Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, delivers welcome remarks Welcome Dinner for Global Tourism Economy Forum･Macao 2019 Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province, Wang Jiang, receives souvenir Representatives from Partner Countries Argentina and Brazil, receive souvenir Stay tuned for more information about GTEF via www.gte-forum.comand 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 Forum The 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 includethe 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.

October 14, 2019, Macao The Global Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum” was unveiled with an opening ceremony today. Centred on the concept of “Beautiful Life” raised by President Xi Jinping, the Forum is leading forward-thinking discussions on global tourism economy under the theme “Tourism and Leisure: Roadmap to a Beautiful Life”. The two-day Forum in Macao has lined up industry leaders and experts to share insightful perspectives in an array of sessions. The “GTEF ∙ World Tourism Investment and Financing Conference” was also launched in this edition, inspiring delegates to explore new possibilities in the tourism markets along the Belt and Road and across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Forum also deepened its collaboration with the World Tourism Organization UNWTO by bringing the finale of the “UNWTO Tourism Tech Adventure: SportsTech” to Macao for the first time, tofoster reform and innovation in the tourism value chain. Hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, the 8thedition of GTEF engaged close to 2,000 participants including ministerial officials of tourism and related fields, industry leaders, experts, scholars and participants from various countries and cities across the globe, along with delegations fromGTEF 2019 Partner Countries Argentinaand Brazil, as well as Featured Chinese Province Jiangsu. The opening ceremony was officiated by distinguishedguests includingChief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Chui Sai On; Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah; Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Fu Ziying; Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili; ExecutiveVice Chairmanof All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC, Xu Lejiang; Commissioner of the Office of The Commissionerof the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Shen Beili; Minister of Tourism of the Secretariat of State for Tourism of Argentina, Gustavo Santos; Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Marcelo Álvaro Antônio;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; Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province, Wang Jiang; Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism for the Kingdom of Cambodia, Tith Chantha; Executive Director of UNWTO, Zhu Shanzhong; Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam; Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, Pansy Ho; Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of UNWTO, Xu Jing,among other personages. Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF,Ho Hau Wah,expressed in his welcome speech, “The 8thedition of the Forum convenes under the theme ‘Tourism and Leisure: Roadmap to a Beautiful Life’. Capitalizing on our unique strategic role as ‘one centre, one platform and one base’ in this momentous year when China celebrates respectively the 47thand 45thanniversaries of the establishment of diplomatic relationships with Argentina and Brazil, Macao, in organizing the Forum, partners with the economically-vibrant province of Jiangsu as our Featured Chinese Province, and deepens our Country’s aligned partnerships with Argentina and Brazil in the Belt and Road Initiative, to further push forward tourism and economic exchange and cooperation between China and Latin American countries.” Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Chui Sai On, stated in his welcome remarks, “The Central Government has bestowed huge continuous support upon Macao in our move forward. Right now, we are here to seize the significant opportunities brought by the national developments along the Belt and Road and in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and align Macao’s development with the country’s prospects, as we march into the future with our unyielding dedication to build Macao into a ‘world centre of tourism and leisure’, a ‘commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries’, as well as a ‘base for exchange and cooperation, where Chinese culture prevails and different cultures flourish in harmony’.” He also pointed out that with the Country’s strong support, the Forum is an advanced platform for international exchange and cooperation in tourism, and leveragesMacao’s institutional, cultural and geographical advantages to push forward sustainable tourism and economic development. Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, highlighted in his opening remarks, “Tourism is not just about numbers and economic benefits. It is also about healthy lifestyles and the well-being of society, echoing the theme of 2019 GTEF on how tourism and leisure lead to a better life.” During the opening ceremony of GTEF, the “Ceremony of Appreciation for Macao SAR’s Contribution to Human Capital Development in Tourism – UNWTO and Macao SAR Joint Initiatives Report and Letter of Appreciation Presentation” was held. Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, presented a Letter of Appreciation to Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Alexis Tam, for the latter’s contribution to development of human capital in tourism worldwide. The Letter made special reference to the training programmes offered to participants from UNWTO member states by the Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training at the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies IFT, in collaboration with UNWTO. In addition, Alexis Tam delivered to UNWTO a report on the initiatives and achievements of the IFT Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training by far. The program of GTEF 2019 features a range of discussion panels, special interviews as well as concurrent activities including exhibitions, business matching, networking sessions and more. The Day-one program unveiled in order with a range of highlights including the first “GTEF ∙ World Tourism Investment and Financing Conference: Tourism Investment and Cooperation in the Global Multilateral System”; the signature “Face to Face- Ministers and Private Sector CEOs” session in collaboration with UNWTO under the topic of “HowTourism, Leisure and SportsLead to a Beautiful Life”, which led a high-level dialogue between ministerial officials and global private-sector CEOs from worldwide around the topics of cultural, sports and wellness tourism; press conference by Partner Countries Argentina and Brazil; as well as destination presentations. The program will continue with diverse highlights on the second day, including presentation of the sixth Joint Research Report onAsia Tourism Trends by UNWTO and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC, as well as a range of discussion panels, among other sessions. The Forum is dedicated to radiating an increasingly far-reaching impact as an advanced platform for international tourism exchange and cooperation. Capitalizing on Macao’s role as a bridge that connects different peoples and enhances cooperation between China and the world, as well as a strategic tourism hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Forum strives to enhance the sustainable development of the global tourism industry with a special focus on China, and guide global tourism stakeholders to unlock new opportunities across China and the Greater Bay Area. At this high time that marks the dual celebrations of the 70thanniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 20thanniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and riding on the new development opportunities brought by the launch of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, delegates join hands to explore and shape a new landscape for the tourism ecosystem. GTEF is grandly unveiled Many distinguished guests officiate the opening ceremony Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah, delivers a welcome speech Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Chui Sai On, delivers welcome remarks Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, delivers opening remarks Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, presents a Letter of Appreciation to Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Alexis Tam Stay tuned for more information about GTEF via www.gte-forum.comand 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 Forum The 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 includethe 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.

September 24, 2019, Macau The Global Tourism Economy Forum “GTEF” or “the Forum” will convene in Macao under the theme “Tourism and Leisure: Roadmap to a Beautiful Life” on 13 - 15 October. Centred on the concept of “Beautiful Life” raised by President Xi Jinping, the Forum will lead forward-thinking discussions on global tourism economy. This year, GTEF will deepen its collaboration with the World Tourism Organization UNWTO by bringing the finale of the “UNWTO Tourism Tech Adventure: SportsTech” to Macao for the first time. The first “GTEF ∙ World Tourism Investment and Financing Conference” will also be launched in this edition.The organizer, the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture, held a pre-event press conference today 24 September. Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office MGTO and Vice Chairman of GTEF, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, Pansy Ho, unveiled the event program of GTEF 2019.In his remarks, Ip Peng Kin underlined that Macao stands as a major hub along the Belt and Road and one of the core cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, strengthened by the Central Government’s strong support to become “One Centre, One Platform and One Base”. With the myriad of significant opportunities, Macao’s tourism industry is reaching a new development milestone. “The Forum is a locally-established international tourism brand that has been delivering Macao’s unique constitutional, cultural and geographical advantages. It demonstrates our city’s resolve to steer the global tourism economy towards sustainability,” he pointed out.Expressing her gratitude to different circles of the society for their ardent support to GTEF, Pansy Ho emphasized that it is vital for Macao’s tourism and economy to progress forward as an integral part of national development, deepen strategic cooperation and stimulate innovation in the industry. She stated, “GTEF has established itself asa fixture of Macao. Through our platform, we strive to strengthen the connections betweenthe globaltourism industry andits related industries to embrace China’s ‘holistic tourism’ and tourism plus strategies and to promote the sustainable development of the tourism economy.”The Forum is dedicated to radiating an increasingly far-reaching impact as an advanced platform for international tourism exchange and cooperation. Capitalizing on Macao’s role as a bridge that connects different peoples and enhances cooperation between China and the world, as well as a strategic tourism hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Forum is committed to enhancing the sustainable development of the global tourism industry with a special focus on China, and guiding global tourism stakeholders to unlock new opportunities across China and the Greater Bay Area. At this high time that marks the dual celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, as well as the launch of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, delegates will join hands to explore and shape a new landscape for the tourism ecosystem.Featuring Argentina and Brazil as the Partner Countries and Jiangsu as the Featured Chinese Province, the 8th edition of GTEF will bring together ministers of sports, culture and tourism, corporate leaders and experts from worldwide to discuss the latest tourism policies and trends, unveil vast opportunities for new growth in cultural, sports and wellness tourism, as well as explore in depth the interplay potential between the tourism markets of China and Latin America.Deepen collaboration with UNWTOThe Forum will incorporate new elements to expand new possibilities for tourism innovation and investment. This year, the Forum will deepen its collaboration with UNWTO to stage the finale of the “UNWTO Tourism Tech Adventure: SportsTech” for the first time, set to foster reform and innovation in the tourism value chain.In collaboration with UNWTO, the signature “Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs” session will return with a high-level dialogue between ministers and global private-sector CEOs around the topic of cultural, sports and wellness tourism. In addition, UNWTO and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre GTERC will co-launch the sixth edition of the UNWTOGTERC Asia Tourism Trends. The report will present not only the tourism trends and outlook for the Asia-Pacific region, but also a feature analysis on the vast development potential of Argentina and Brazil as tourism markets, as well as a window into the potential of the cultural, sports and wellness tourism markets in Asia-Pacific in moving towards sustainability.Launch of first World Tourism Investment and Financing ConferenceAnother new highlight in the Forum is the “GTEF ∙ World Tourism Investment and Financing Conference”. Three round-table discussion panels will unfold to explore the topics of “Tourism Investment and Cooperation in the Global Multilateral System”, “Potential of Chinese Tourism Investment Cooperation Opportunities in ‘Belt and Road’ Projects” and “Valuation of Tourism Project: Investment Financing Strategy”, Some of the world's top investment experts and tourism leaders will share their latest investment insights and inspire delegates to explore new opportunities in the tourism markets along the Belt and Road and across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.The program of GTEF 2019 will also feature collaborative panels with the Forum’s supporting units once again, including “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 the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce ACFIC, “Smart Cities to Smart Tourism Destinations: Towards Wellness and Happiness” in cooperation with the World Tourism Cities Federation WTCF and “Travel Lab Asia: Challenges and Opportunities of Bringing Tourism Sustainable Technology to Asia Pacific” in cooperation with the Pacific Asia Travel Association PATA, among other sessions. Delegates will also gain a broader professional perspective from tourism experts’ special keynotes, special interviews with prominent tourism leaders as well as a workshop. Business matching, presentations and exhibitions will be available for delegates to tap into networking, investment and cooperation opportunities.GTEF 2019 is honored to garner support from Major Sponsors Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited, Melco Resorts Entertainment Limited, MGM China Holdings Ltd, SJM Holdings Limited, Sands China Ltd., Wynn Resort Macau S.A., as well as Forum Carriers, Partner Sponsors and WeChat Technology Partner. Director of Macao Government Tourism Office and Vice Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes Left, Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin Middle and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Pansy Ho Right attended the pre-event press conference for the Global Tourism Economy Forum. Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin,delivers remarks. Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Pansy Ho, delivers remarks. Director of Macao Government Tourism Office and Vice Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, attends the press conference. For more information about GTEF, visitwww.gte-forum.comor on social media: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.