Industry key to restoring economic growth, people’s spirits after pandemic
Ho Hau-wah (seventh from left among those holding the bar), vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Forum; Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng (seventh from right among those holding the bar); World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili (sixth from the right among those holding the bar); and other distinguished guests officiate at the opening ceremony of the Global Tourism Economy Forum 2023 at the Galaxy International Convention Center in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Sept 21, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Tourism and its related industries are playing an important part in economic recovery in the post-pandemic world, officials, business leaders, and experts worldwide said on Thursday at a high-profile tourism forum in Macao.
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is a leading international exchange platform designed to promote the sustainable development of global tourism.
Themed “Destination 2030: Unlocking the Power of Tourism for Business and Development” this year, the forum features an array of panel sessions, keynote speeches, fireside chats, and special interviews.
A cake-cutting ceremony is held on Thursday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Global Tourism Economic Forum. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The four-day forum is hosted by the Secretariat of Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, in collaboration with the Madrid-based United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
The opening ceremony started with a keynote speech by the forum’s chairman, Ho Hau-wah, who is also a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the nation’s top political advisory body.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said the forum is set to be the premier platform for cooperation between public and private sectors.
“Today, we shape the course of the sectors’ future around the pillars of jobs, education, innovation and investments,” the UN official said.
Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the GTEF, delivers speech during the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao on Sept 21, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping, who is also the forum’s honorary chairman, said that tourism is an effective means to develop the economy and increase employment, and is an important channel for exchanges between different countries and cultures.
Therefore, “the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of tourism,” he noted.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, inclusive relief policies and targeted assistance measures were launched by the government to help the industry,” he said.
The forum is co-organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office and the China Chamber of Tourism. It is coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC).
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili delivers speech during the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao on Sept 21, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Lei Wai-nong, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR and executive chairman of the forum, said Macao has become one of the core platforms for its prime assets such as tourism under the advantages of “one country, two systems”.
New strategic work has been put into building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, he noted.
“Every year, the Macao SAR government collaborates with GTERC to come up with a forward-thinking theme for the forum in line with the latest situation and to produce an innovative format and program,” Lei added.
“After a decade of hard work, the Macao SAR government has developed GTEF into a major event for the international tourism industry and a signature brand of Macao,” he added.
Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping delivers speech during the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao on Sept 21, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Strengthening cooperation
Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche said Italy and China are continuing to work together, not just in terms of tourism, but also in culture and other areas. Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is this year’s partner country at GTEF.
“Our two peoples are closer to each other than ever,” she said. “Italy is one of the favorite tourist destinations for Chinese tourists. After a three-year absence, Chinese tourists are coming back.”
Lei Wai-nong, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR and executive chairman of the GTEF, delivers speech during the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao on Sept 21, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has included GTEF in the Sino-Italian Cultural Exchange Mechanism to consolidate mutual learning between Chinese and foreign cultures.
Qiu Xiaoping, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, said this year marks the 10th anniversary of the GTEF and is an important year of rapid recovery following the pandemic.
Tourism still faces many challenges, he said, “but we can see the industry has a unique advantage and also it can help mold employment and enrich people’s spirits.
Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche delivers speech during the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao on Sept 21, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Shanghai Vice-Mayor Liu Duo delivers speech during the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao on Sept 21, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
“It actually has become a very important driving force after the pandemic,” Qiu said.
Shanghai, which was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2010, is the featured city of this year’s GTEF. Shanghai Vice-Mayor Liu Duo said Shanghai is on the path to unlock the potential of tourism for business and development and to promote the prosperity of tourism around the globe.
“Shanghai has been tapping into its rich resources to develop its culture and tourism events.
“We want to build channels through which we could talk to other countries and empower the development of our economy,” Liu said.
