Macao global forum to focus on boosting tourism in nations along Maritime Silk Road

The third round of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) kicked off in Macao on Monday, with the expending tourism industry playing an increasingly important role in the world economy, and government delegations and industrial leaders worldwide gathered to discuss the industry outlook and seek cooperation at the three-day event.

The forum, themed "Maritime Silk Road (MSR) - From Macao We Begin", will take the lead in discussing the transformation of the MSR region, and exploring strategic intercontinental cooperation and business opportunities in tourism across nations, domestic provinces and cities along the MSR route.

"Tourism is defined as the fifth strategic pillar industry of China's Twelfth Five-Year Plan and an indispensable element for building the new MSR economic belt," Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of GTEF, said in an opening address at the forum.

"Global elites in tourism and related industries will leverage on the forum as a platform for collective discussions and high-level dialogue, discussing tourism as a driving force for building the new MSR and exploring new directions for the new growth momentum of global economy," Ho said, stressing that this can extend the influence of the tourism economy to various regions and aspects for achieving reciprocal benefits.

A series of topical panels will begin on the second day of the forum. China Daily will host a session entitled "Dialogue with Travel and Tourism Leaders", which is expected to be a timely industry response to the intriguing MSR prospect from the perspective of "Maritime Silk Road": Tourism for Future Tourists.

Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai-on said the forum will be a great opportunity for the city to promote its tourism industry and it is expected to inspire the related industries with innovative thinking and new ideas.

He pointed out that the theme of this edition of the forum is meaningful and contemporary. "Looking back into our history, Macao was one of the major coastal ports along the Maritime Silk Road, it also functioned as an exchange channel for different civilizations in the past," said Chui.

The forum will unfold a series of profound discussions on the MSR in response to the demand on a greater realm for international trade and commerce. It also meets the trend of the times to foster cooperation across Asia and to promote global peace and development.

"The global economic situation is complex and rapidly changing this year, but the growth in China's tourism industry has been fast and steady," Du Yili, vice-chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, told the forum.

He said total revenues generated by the country's tourism industry in 2014 is expected to reach 3.2 trillion yuan ($521.5 billion). Last year's revenues amounted to 2.3 trillion yuan, and more than 100 million people from the mainland are expected to make outbound tourist trips this year.

"I believe the growth of China's tourism industry will provide a strong support to the global tourism industry," he added.

sophiehe@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 10/28/2014 page9)