Macao’s unique signature brand
Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Lei Wai Nong, expressed in his speech that through the Forum, the Macao SAR Government endeavors to build a diverse and multifunctional platform for international exchange and cooperation, uniting the effort of the global tourism industry to proffer insights and rise up to the opportunities and challenges in building a better future for the global tourism economy and facilitating innovative cooperation. 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.

Chair of the World Tourism Alliance and GTEF Honorary Chairman, Zhang Xu, also delivered a congratulatory speech at the GTEF 10th Anniversary Lunch. He expressed that over the past decade, the Forum has capitalized on Macao’s geographical advantages as an event that stands in China and connects with the world, bringing together political and industry leaders, corporate experts, scholars and industry professionals from worldwide to discuss major topics about the tourism industry and share experiences. It offers effective roadmaps towards a sustainable future of the tourism industry and builds a high-level platform for exchange and cooperation that leads to economic growth.

The Forum marches towards advanced development after a decade of success in Macao
Since the inaugural edition in Macao in 2012, GTEF has given play to the institutional advantages gifted by “One Country, Two Systems” and built a diverse and efficient platform for international tourism exchange and cooperation, committed to promoting the innovative and sustainable development of the tourism economy. The ten editions have greatly manifested the spirit of openness, cooperation and exploration, and garnered recognition from across the global cultural tourism industry. This April, GTEF and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on their elevated partnership in Lisbon, Portugal. As the signing of the MOU deepens collaboration between both parties, the Forum is dedicated to carrying on the past fruition and unveiling new chapters of global cooperation in tourism, economy, culture and other fields in the future.

A meaningful cake-cutting ceremony was held during the GTEF 10th Anniversary Lunch, officiated by Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah; Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili; Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Liu Xianfa; Minister of Tourism of Italy, Daniela Garnero Santanchè; Vice-Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Qiu Xiaoping; Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Liu Duo; Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Lei Wai Nong, and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, Pansy Ho. About 350 participants attended the lunch.

About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
The “Global Tourism Economy Forum” (GTEF) is hosted by the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism and Macao Government Tourism Office, and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). The GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the 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), European Travel Commission (ETC), The Association of Chinese Enterprises in Macao (MCEA), World Tourism Alliance (WTA) and International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA). Since its inception in 2012, the 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, the GTEF has received more than 12,700 participants from 90 countries and regions, including delegations from 152 provinces and cities of mainland China, and has invited 600 internationally renowned speakers who are national ministerial officials, business leaders, and experts and scholars to share their insights during the event.