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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, sent today a congratulatory message to the Central Government on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft. On behalf of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Chief Executive expressed his warmest congratulations to the country for another breakthrough in aerospace science. Mr Chui said the successful launch of Shenzhou-11 represented a key milestone in the country’s space programme and in manned spacecraft technology. Mr Chui also conveyed his highest respect and sincere greetings to the two astronauts on board of Shenzhou-11, and to all those who had contributed to the development of the country’s aerospace industry. Shenzhou-11 will dock with space lab Tiangong-2, where the two astronauts will spend 30 days and conduct a series of tests and experiments. Mr Chui said the Macao people, along with the overall Chinese people, showed the utmost joy and enthusiasm for the country’s achievements in aerospace technology. The Government – together with Macao’s population – would continue to support the development of the country’s manned space programme and contribute to the prosperity of the motherland, he said. The spacecraft took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 7.30am.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 216 establishments were engaging in Real Estate Management Services in 2015, down by 7 year-on-year. Receipts amounted to MOP 1.32 billion, up by 4.1% year-on-year. Expenditure went up by 4.5% to MOP 1.09 billion, of which Compensation of Employees (MOP 567 million) and Operating Expenses (MOP 411 billion) increased by 5.0% and 0.7% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy totalled MOP 804 million, up by 4.1% year-on-year and Gross Surplus rose by 2.0% to MOP 237 million. Meanwhile, Gross Fixed Capital Formation leapt by 703.9% year-on-year to MOP 229 million on account of an increase in acquisition of properties and in major renovation projects. Number of persons engaged decreased by 7.8% to 5,412, of which 59.4% were property caretakers (3,216). There were 38 establishments operating in Security Services, up by 6 year-on-year. Receipts amounted to MOP 1.69 billion, up by 41.5% year-on-year. Expenditure surged by 40.4% to MOP 1.53 billion, with Compensation of Employees (MOP 1.38 billion) predominating at 90.6%, up by 44.4% year-on-year. Operating Expenses decreased by 14.4% to MOP 61.98 million. Gross Value Added (MOP 1.55 billion) and Gross Surplus (MOP 162 million) soared by 45.3% and 53.7% respectively year-on-year, and Gross Fixed Capital Formation rose by 23.1% to MOP 12.25 million. Number of persons engaged totalled 8,891, an increase of 35.0% year-on-year, of which security guards accounted for 71.0% (6,314). A total of 157 establishments were operating in Cleaning Services in 2015, up by 18 year-on-year. Receipts increased by 39.9%, at MOP 956 million. Expenditure rose by 37.7% to MOP 830 million, of which Compensation of Employees (81.0% of total) took the largest share, at MOP 672 million. Gross Value Added totalled MOP 798 million, up by 38.8% year-on-year and Gross Surplus surged by 55.8% to MOP 126 million. Owing to the increase in acquisition of vehicles and machinery & equipment, Gross Fixed Capital Formation soared by 69.4% to MOP 15.48 million. Number of persons engaged increased by 22.2% to 7,099, of which cleaning workers (6,332) predominated at 89.2% of total. Number of establishments operating in Advertising Services increased notably by 80 year-on-year to 601. Receipts (MOP 917 million) recorded a year-on-year growth of 7.5%, which was generated primarily from Advertising Services (including design services and media dissemination), at MOP 566 million (61.7% of total), while receipts from providing Services for Conferences & Exhibitions and Other Services amounted to MOP 238 million (25.9% of total). Expenditure amounted to MOP 804 million, up by 1.6% year-on-year, which was mainly incurred on Purchase of Goods/Services & Commission, down by 2.4% to MOP 422 million (52.4% of total). Gross Valued Added totalled MOP 335 million, up by 20.6% year-on-year; Gross Surplus expanded by 85.6% to MOP 110 million. Though there was an increase in the number of establishments, Gross Fixed Capital Formation dropped 21.1% year-on-year to MOP 59.51 million, owing to a reduction in acquisition of computer equipment and selling of properties. Number of persons engaged was 2,185 (+15.5%), of which 77.0% were employees. A total of 67 establishments were operating in Conference & Exhibition Organising Services, up by 6 year-on-year. Receipts grew by 13.9% year-on-year to MOP 314 million, of which receipts from Services for Conferences & Exhibitions and Other Services shared 77.4% of the total, at MOP 243 million (+8.6%). Meanwhile, expenditure went up by 14.8% to MOP 304 million. Gross Value Added increased by 29.8% year-on-year to MOP 70.01 million, while Gross Surplus dropped by 11.1% to MOP 10.01 million. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP 2.14 million) tumbled by 70.7% year-on-year on account of a reduction in the acquisition of equipment. Number of persons engaged amounted to 373, up by 36.1% year-on-year.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that inward direct investment flows declined by 66.7% year-on-year to MOP 9.1 billion in 2015. This was mainly due to a negative inward flow (- MOP 6.0 billion) in the Gaming sector as profits dropped and the amount of dividends paid exceeded its profits made in the year. On the other hand, inflows of direct investment were recorded in Banks & Securities (MOP 7.8 billion), Wholesale & Retail (MOP 3.9 billion) and Construction (MOP 2.4 billion). Analysed by country/territory of usual residence of direct investors, inward direct investment flows came mainly from Mainland China (MOP 7.4 billion), Hong Kong (MOP 3.2 billion) and the British Virgin Islands (MOP 2.8 billion); however, the Cayman Islands registered a negative inflow (- MOP 6.5 billion). In 2015, inward direct investment income dropped by 39.8% year-on-year to MOP 51.5 billion. Income earned by gaming enterprises (MOP 30.1 billion) and Wholesale & Retail (MOP 6.4 billion) decreased by 47.5% and 30.0%, while that in Banks & Securities (MOP 10.8 billion) rose by 17.8%. At the end of 2015, stock of inward direct investment of Macao reached MOP 231.8 billion, up by 5.0% year-on-year. Analysed by industry, inward direct investment stock in Gaming decreased by 4.8% to MOP 123.3 billion, with 49.5% coming from the Cayman Islands; Banks & Securities had MOP 46.5 billion (+22.9%), of which capital from Mainland China accounted for 60.7%; Wholesale & Retail had MOP 26.3 billion (+17.5%), with investment from Hong Kong contributing 58.1%. Analysed by country/territory, stock of inward direct investment from the Cayman Islands (MOP 65.8 billion) decreased by 9.1% year-on-year, but that from Hong Kong (MOP 59.1 billion) and the British Virgin Islands (MOP 54.4 billion) rose by 8.0% and 4.8% respectively; inward direct investment stock from Mainland China increased by 32.0% to MOP 34.7 billion, of which investment from Beijing made up 93.5%. Outward direct investment flows of Macao enterprises recorded a negative value (- MOP 5.5 billion), resulting in a net inflow of MOP 14.6 billion in 2015. At the end of 2015, stock of outward direct investment decreased by 19.4% year-on-year to MOP 24.7 billion; investment in Hong Kong amounted to MOP 5.6 billion, and that in Mainland China totalled MOP 4.2 billion, which was mainly concentrated in Guangdong (MOP 3.1 billion) with MOP 1.7 billion in Zhuhai (including Hengqin). Outward direct investment income earned by Macao enterprises increased by 22.2% year-on-year to MOP 0.8 billion, with that by Gaming enterprises (MOP 0.5 billion) rising by 19.2%. Outward direct investment stock in Gaming (MOP 19.8 billion) and Wholesale & Retail (MOP 3.0 billion) decreased by 22.9% and 9.9% respectively year-on-year. Direct Investment Statistics provide an analysis of the direct investment profile of Macao with other economies. For statistical purposes, Macao and Mainland China are considered as two economies. Coverage of Direct Investment Statistics comprises Macao enterprises engaging in Industrial Production; Construction; Wholesale & Retail; Hotels & Restaurants; Transport, Storage & Communications; Financial Services; Gaming; and Other Services; however, personal investment and enterprises operating in other industries not specified above are excluded. In 2015, there were 2,597 enterprises involved in inward direct investment and 64 enterprises in outward direct investment.
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Consumer Council conducted its first ‘Supermarket price survey’ in October on 17 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Areia Preta, Mong Há and Avenida de Venceslau de Morais in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM’s Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. With reference to the local seven parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The Institute for Tourism Studies’ Bachelor Degree Programme emphasises on the balance between theory and practice. Students are required to complete certain hours of practical tasks related to their specialisations every year. One of the tasks given to the Tourism Business Management students is to provide free guided tour to tourists and local residents. The activity, with the theme of “Tour around Macao with IFT Students”, is organised by year two students of Tourism Business Management Degree Programme. With the assistance from the instructors, five different itineraries have been designed and each lasts about one hour and thirty minutes. This free guided tour service will be provided to all tourists and local residents on Saturday and Sunday, in October. By coordinating the activity, their communication skills can also be enhanced. And could also promote Macao to the tourists by offering the free guiding service at the city centre and tourist attractions. Residents will also be made aware of the importance of tourism to Macao. Established in 1995, the Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao (IFT) offers the most extensive selection of tourism and hospitality related bachelor degree programmes in Macao, and about twenty thousand participants attend its vocational and professional training courses annually. IFT collaborates with 97 universities and tourism organisations around the world, and builds strong links with 500 leading tourism and hospitality corporations to offer internship opportunities to its students. Being the first institution accredited by the UNWTO.TedQual Certification System for tourism education, IFT has the most bachelor degree programmes certified under the System of any tertiary education establishment worldwide. IFT has received the Medal of Merit in Tourism from the Macao SAR Government, and won twice the Gold Award in ‘Education and Training’ from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
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The Identification Services Bureau introduces self-service kiosks for Certificate of Personal Data application on 17 October 2016. Electronic Macao SAR Resident Identity Card holders who are aged 18 or above can now submit their application for the Certificate of Personal Data on their own with the self-service kiosks during office hours at the Identification Services Bureau located at the China Plaza in “Avenida de Praia Grande”. The self-service application procedures of Certificate of Personal Data are simple. Applicants do not need to obtain a number tag in advance of using the self-service kiosk, they only need to go through the application process as instructed. For instance, they have to verify their fingerprint, scan their identity card, select the items to be listed on the certificate and then sign on the digital signature pad (the signature should be identical to that on the identity card). After that, the applicants have to present the payment slip to the service counter and pay the application fee to complete the entire application process. In addition, the applicants will receive an SMS when the certificate is ready for collection if they can provide a local mobile phone number at the time of application. The abovementioned self-service for Certificate of Personal Data application is not applicable to persons who are renewing their Macao SAR Resident Identity Cards and persons who need to apply for the certificate of kinship, the certificate of having no children in Macao, the certificate of document authentication or the certificate for proving other identification documents which had ever been held or submitted by the applicants. In order to improve the service quality continuously, the Identification Services Bureau welcomes citizens to provide their valuable comments concerning the self-service kiosks. The Identification Services Bureau will keep on studying the possibility of introducing more convenient electronic services.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2016 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) achieved fruitful results through two days of various sessions and thought-provoking discussions, and adjourned with tremendous success this evening (16 October). Gathering ministers and industry leaders Themed as “The Growing Consumer Class – Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape”, the fifth anniversary edition has effectively forged multilateral cooperation through its advanced international platform for tourism exchange and cooperation, gathering various ministerial officials from different countries, leaders from globally‐renowned enterprises, as well as experts and scholars to zero in on how this rising resourceful and tech-savvy group is more than ever the increasingly influential force in the tourism industry. Over 1300 delegates from many countries and cities around the world attended the Forum with fruitful harvest. The Forum also featured its first Partner Country, France, in this edition whereas its Partner City Beijing Municipality also formed a delegation to join the event. 200 media representatives came from home and abroad to cover the event. Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, concluded this edition, “GTEF has embarked on a wonderful journey of making friends and allies through creating synergies and common objectives in sharing and nurturing an invaluable platform via tourism economy to continue pursuing positive and sustainable economic growth and social harmony among nations.” Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Vice Chairman of GTEF, stated in her closing remarks, “In these two days, the Forum has outlined the latest prospect for the global tourism industry and the “New Normal” in the tourism economy from a broad vision and advanced angle, inspiring key decision makers in the industry to seize the development opportunities arising from the application of technology in tourism. I believe that under our Country’s Belt and Road Initiative, smart tourism will be transformed into a new dynamic for regional cooperation across the globe. To go with the global tourism trends and promote sustainable tourism development in Macao, the Macao Government Tourism Office has incorporated “innovative technology”, “smart tourism”, “regional tourism cooperation” and other aspects into its scope of analysis in the ‘Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan’.” “Tourism stands as a key driver of economic progress in the world and a pillar industry in Macao. By hosting the Global Tourism Economy Forum, we not only demonstrate Macao’s strategic position in promoting multicultural and international interchanges, but also embrace a great opportunity to raise Macao’s international profile with esteemed ministerial officials, prominent industry leaders, distinguished experts and scholars coming from different countries and regions around the world to grace the Forum. The incisive points of view shared by tourism heavyweights and professionals in the Forum, in addition to the Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends presented by the World Tourism Organization and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, will serve as valuable reference materials for the region and the world to make tourism and economic progress. They will also enable different governments and members of the tourism industry to map out a more inclusive and effective development plan, and with no doubt, will become great enhancers for Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.” Forum extends its influence to community and education This edition of the Forum not only created a platform for the global tourism industry and invited influential industry leaders, policy makers and scholars to jointly discuss how to leverage tourism development as a driver of economic progress, but also substantially contributed to the local tourism industry and provided training opportunities for local tertiary students. In particular, GTEF published the Experience Macau Travel Guide, introducing delegates to the unique cultures and tourism resources in different districts across the city, for the purpose of promoting community tourism in Macao and broadening GTEF’s positive impact to the community at large. This year, GTEF also initiated an intensive MICE hospitality training programme for the first time, offering opportunities for 20 local tertiary students to take part in the high-level international meeting and take up hospitality roles such as guest reception and exhibition ambassador during GTEF 2016. The training programme achieved great results. In light of this, GTEF will continue its training initiative to nurture the next generation of MICE professionals in Macao with a series of internship programmes to be launched in 2017 for local tertiary students dedicated to pursue a career in the field of MICE tourism. Central and Eastern European Countries as partner countries and Guizhou as parter province in GTEF 2017 The sixth GTEF edition is scheduled to be held in Macao in 2017. The Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) will be GTEF 2017’s partner countries. The new partnerships in the sixth edition not only symbolize GTEF’s expansion of its European network for two consecutive years, but also set a larger number of partner countries. During the closing ceremony, Mr. Gusztáv Bienerth, Government Commissioner for Tourism of Hungary, presented the latest tourism update on the CEECs on their behalf. In addition, Mr. Li Sanqi, Director-General of Guizhou Tourism Development Commission introduced the magnificent tourism resources of Guizhou province of China. The host of the Forum is looking forward to carrying on the achievements and invaluable experience of the first five editions and incorporating more innovations into the program and format of the next Forum, promising an international platform for its collaborative partners to forge tourism cooperation across industries, sectors and regions. The Global Tourism Economy Forum• Macau 2016 was hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism, coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC) and in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The supporting entities include All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), 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, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
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The Macau Grand Prix has always made safety its top priority. On 15th and 16th October, the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee (MGPOC) jointly conducted professional rescue training with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) at the Macau Grand Prix Building in order to ensure that all rescue team members are trained to the highest internationally-recognized standards of proficiency. Invited to conduct this year’s rescue training course were Extrication Consultant for this year’s Macau Grand Prix, Dr. Jean-Jacques Issermann, and FIA Medical Delegate, Dr. Jacques Tropenat, who provided professional instruction, shared their experience and gave demonstrations. Course content included car accident simulation training, rescue practice and assessment. Participants who successfully passed the examination received certificates from the FIA. Motorsport rescue requires highly specialized personnel and hardware. All team members must be fully conversant with the equipment as well as the precise procedures in the event of an incident in order to respond with a highly efficient manner. In order to perform a rescue procedure effectively, all team members must remain calm when faced with sudden incidents, and respond with clear and accurate instructions. Close communication and cooperation between all involved are vital to ensure rescue operations are performed quickly and seamlessly. Since 2007, all rescue personnel at the event have been Macao residents, and since then every year the Macau Grand Prix and the FIA have together organized courses to provide professional training for rescue personnel, ensuring they are equipped with sufficient knowledge and the ability to provide medical rescue and fast intervention services. To date, more than 500 participants have taken this designated course and worked at the Macau Grand Prix.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum‧Macau 2016 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) was inaugurated splendidly this afternoon (15 October). As the host of the Forum, the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government specially hosted a grand welcome dinner at Grand Hyatt Macau, City of Dreams tonight (15 October) as a warm reception for the guests, and to extend wishes that the discussions tomorrow (16 October) will inspire more creative ideas and innovations for fostering global tourism cooperation. The dinner was attended by prestigious guests and speakers including Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman; Mr. Wang Qinmin, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Li Jinzao, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matthias Fekl, French Minister for Tourism, etc. Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, stated in his welcome message that, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is stepping into its fifth year as a prominent meeting for global tourism leaders with a far-reaching impact across the region and the international community. Their gatherings have generated a widening network for co-operation and an efficient platform for discussions on future tourism landscape. He mentioned that the Asia-Pacific region has become one of the regions in the world showing the fastest tourism growth and a burgeoning consumer spending. Through the Forum, he hopes to foster industry leaders to grab the trend of global consumption patterns and create more new tourism products, leading the tourism industry to march forward. Secretary Tam also remarked that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in his visit to Macao a few days ago, announced that the Central Government will support the Macao SAR Government in hosting the Global Tourism Economy Forum. Secretary Tam believes that the Forum will help broadening co-operation among all parties and the collaborations will certainly create synergy in promoting the global tourism development and contribute to the socio-economic interests of individual destinations. To showcase the rich cultural and arts heritage of China and France, the dinner was decorated with magnificent performances blended their distinctive cultural characters, including Chinese traditional dance and opera in contemporary style as well as French opera performance, enhancing participants’ cultural experience with a compilation of lasting cultural and arts essence. Themed “The Growing Consumer Class – Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape”, the fifth anniversary edition gathers over 120 ministerial officials from different countries, leaders from globally‐renowned private corporations, as well as experts and scholars to zero in on how this rising resourceful and tech-savvy group is more than ever the increasingly influential force in the tourism industry. The fifth edition of GTEF will resume its comprehensive programme tomorrow (16 October) with eight in-depth topical panels. The Forum will also continue to reinforce its sought-after function as a networking platform and include business matching and networking sessions, providing ample opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas with ministers and officials of tourism and economy from different countries, as well as decision-makers of leading global tourism-related corporations, so as to establish networks and explore innovative business opportunities and cooperation.
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The annual renowned international event for the tourism industry, Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2016 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) was inaugurated today (15 October) at 3:00 p.m. at Studio City Macau. Themed as “The Growing Consumer Class – Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape”, the fifth edition gathers over 120 ministerial officials, leaders of globally‐leading corporations, as well as experts and scholars to zero in on how this rising resourceful and tech-savvy group is more than ever the increasingly influential force in the tourism industry. This edition is attended by over 1000 delegates from many countries and cities around the world, including delegations from the Forum’s Partner Country France and Partner City Beijing Municipality, and covered by more than 150 international and local media representatives. The opening ceremony was officiated by dignitaries including Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman; Mr. Wang Qinmin, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Chan Hoi Fan, Acting Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region and Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao SAR Government; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Li Jinzao, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matthias Fekl, French Minister for Tourism; Ms. Cheng Hong, Vice Mayor of Beijing Municipal Government; Ms. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities; Mr. Gusztáv Bienerth, Government Commissioner for Tourism of Hungary; Mr. U Ohn Maung, Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar; Mr. Yao Jian, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Ye Dabo, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Long Yongtu, Former Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People’s Republic of China and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matías Santos Crocsel, Chief of Advisor of the Ministry of Tourism of Argentina; Mr. Tith Chantha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia; Mr. Timur Toktabayev, Vice Minister of Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Mr. Savankhone Razmountry, Vice Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Ms. Anastancia Ndhlovu, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe; Mr. Liang Jianyong, Vice Governor of Fujian Province, China; Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF; Mr. Gerald Lawless, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, and Mr. Andrew Jones, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF, among others. Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman, remarked, “Tourism is an economic activity beneficial to the society, an industry peacefully bridging the world together, and a core industry promoting regional cooperation and connectivity under our Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nowadays, our Nation’s ‘Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ policy further unleashes the society’s enormous innovative energy, and leverages the rapid Internet and technological development to create the New Normal for enriching the sustainable development of tourism economy, and bring unprecedented changes to the traditional tourism ecosystem for fostering a deepened and widened tourism development.” Ms. Chan Hoi Fan, Acting Chief Executive of Macao SAR and Secretary for Administration and Justice, stated, “2016 is the year for the Macao SAR Government to map out its first five-year development plan for the city and start putting it into practice. In order to transform Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, we have to closely combine and fully unleash our cultural and geographical advantages as well as the privileges we enjoy under the policy of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. In light of this, we are eager to push forward regional and international tourism cooperation based upon our sound cooperative relations with different destinations along the way, and make new contributions to foster tourism and economic growth in the region and the world.” “To enhance sustainable tourism development, we need tourism innovations which go in line with the global trends nowadays. GTEF hence keeps abreast with the latest prospect and invites heavyweights and professionals from different sectors to share their wisdom and foresight. I hope that this Forum edition not only will offer inspirations for tourism leaders, experts and scholars from around the world, but also will propose a clear direction and practical suggestions which will enhance sustainable economic and tourism development in Macao and the world.” Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, stated in his congratulatory message, “Macao never ceases to astonish me. It is a wonderful melting pot for cultures and traditions of East and West, fused into a dynamic and forward-thinking city. The Global Tourism Economy Forum and UNWTO are strong partners and I am delighted to be with you all again. This annual forum is an opportunity to look into the opportunities, challenges and economic benefits facing tourism development in Asia and the Pacific. I always praise this forum for its unique ability to bring Asia to the world and the world to Asia.＂ As an integral part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area, Macao has been an East-meets-West cultural hub which is dedicated to promoting moderate diversification of its tourism-driven economy as the city forges ahead with the goal to become a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” as well as a “commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries”. Offering key reference and directions for the development of the global tourism and tourism-related industries, GTEF demonstrates Macao's capabilities to organize international mega events as a major international platform across regions, sectors and industries. In addition, the Forum serves to consolidate and enhance Macao's status as an international tourism city and strengthen its positioning as a travel destination in the region ideal for multi-destination visitation. It also reinforces the foundation for Macao and its neighbors in the region to achieve a win-win situation and tap into the new possibilities for advanced development. Following the opening ceremony, the European Travel Commission (ETC) signed a cooperative agreement with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC), further extending the Forum’s coverage of international cooperation. France and Beijing as featured partners For the first time, GTEF has invited two world-famous destinations to be its featured partners. Featured as GTEF’s partner country, France will bespeak its fascinating dimensions in different fields including tourism, investment, artistic and cultural tourism as well as promotion of trade and commerce during an array of sessions in the Forum. In addition, the Louvre Museum, the globally prestigious museum in France, will host a Fundraising Gala Dinner tomorrow (16 October) and a charity auction during the Dinner. Featured as GTEF’s partner city, the state capital Beijing Municipality will showcase its glamour as a cultural tourism destination through a mega exhibition, in addition to holding a destination presentation and a business matching session, etc. Launch of the first training programme GTEF is committed to contributing to the development of Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and promoting moderate diversification of the local economy. This year, GTEF has initiated its first MICE hospitality training programme. 20 participating students are trained in hospitality roles such as VIP guest reception and exhibition ambassador during GTEF 2016. Offering a rewarding experience, the training programme prepares the students for a future career in hospitality. GTEF has also published the “Experience Macau Travel Guide”, introducing delegates to the unique cultures and tourism resources in different districts across the city, to promote the development of community tourism in Macao and broaden GTEF’s positive impact to the community at large. Thought-provoking GTEF program This GTEF edition presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking program. In addition to the third Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends presented by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and GTERC, the Forum features a range of thematic sessions including its signature “Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs” session in collaboration with UNWTO, where leadership from the public and private sectors will tackle the subject of “Harnessing the 1 Billion+ Opportunities”; and “GTEF 5th Anniversary Special Keynote - The Forces Shaping China's Economic Future”. Featuring GTEF’s partner country France, the session titled “France: Arts and Culture as Drivers of Tourism” will unveil discussions on how cultural and artistic festivities can attract visitation. Industry leaders will also share their insights in sessions including “Maximizing the Dualities of the Chinese Consumers”, “Embracing the Multi-faceted Chinese Travellers” and “Tourism and Technology: the Inseparable Duo”. Other sessions include “Youth Leadership Roundtable – Understanding the Millennial Consumer and Social Engagement”, “Urban Tourism Consumption Revolution”, and “Investment Workshop – The Burgeoning Consumer Class: Investing in a New Era”. For more information about the Forum, please visit www.gte-forum.com
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