The 8th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM8) opened in Macao this morning with the theme "Exploration of Asia Pacific Tourism Cooperation and Future Development". Vice Premier, Mr Wang Yang; Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah; Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On; Chairman of the National Tourism Administration, Mr Shao Qiwei; and delegates of the Asia-Pacific Econonomic Cooperation member economies presided over the opening ceremony. In his opening address at the Macao International Convention Center at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, the Vice Premier said TMM8 was a significant platform for strengthening regional tourism co-operation. He put forward four hopes for the meeting. Firstly, he said he hoped this meeting could become a fresh starting point for tourism co-operation in the Asia Pacific region; secondly, that it could usher in a new era of tourism-led economic prosperity; thirdly that it could give new momentum to regional economic integration; and last but not least, he hoped it could yield more fruits for the upcoming APEC Leaders' Meeting. Mr Wang noted that the tourism industry was fast expanding in the Asia Pacific region, driving regional economic growth and expediting regional integration. He said that China and the Asia Pacific are interdependent in their development, stressing that China was willing to embark on multi-faceted tourism co-operation with all the APEC member economies and to play a more active role in promoting market integration. The Vice Premier pointed out that Macao enjoyed unique tourism resources, and the Central Government would fully support Macao's efforts in expanding tourism exchanges with other regions. The Chief Executive said Macao was very honoured to be the co-organiser of this event, which offered an opportunity for the delegates to learn more about Macao as a tourist destination. Mr Chui said he believed that today's meeting would allow delegates to pool together their ideas on the future development of the tourism sector in the Asia Pacific region. He added that the tourism sector was not only an economic growth engine, but also a bridge connecting peoples around the world. Speaking to the gathering on behalf of the 21 APEC members, Mrs Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, said tourism development should work towards the goal of openness, sustainability and interconnection. She remarked that clear policies and roadmaps should be in place for the growth of the sector. Macao was a suitable venue for today's meeting as its tourism model was a good example for the APEC members to learn from, adding that she believed this meeting would turn a new page for regional tourism co-operation, she said. A total of 300 guests attended this morning's opening ceremony.
