News

Themed as “Belt and Road Initiative: Unleashing the New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism”, the Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2015 adjourned today (13 October) with tremendous success. The Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) has effectively fostered multilateral cooperation through its advanced platform for international exchange and cooperation in tourism, gathering nearly 60 ministerial officials from different countries, leaders from globally‐renowned private corporations, as well as experts and scholars from worldwide to discuss the necessity of leveraging cultural tourism to capitalize on opportunities from the Belt and Road Initiative. Delegates from different countries and cities around the world found their attendance in this edition rewarding. Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, stated in his closing remarks that the Forum has unfolded a lively dialogue on how a partnership between culture and tourism can fuel new momentum for economic growth. Prestigious ministers and officials from different countries, prominent leaders of international tourism organizations, private-sector stakeholders, experts and other panelists have outlined the latest tourism trends and pointed out a clear direction and practical advices. Their discussions have opened up a valuable avenue for forging more far-reaching regional collaboration at a deeper and higher level. Secretary Tam added that UNWTO has partnered with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre to jointly present their Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends at the Forum, allowing policy makers and industry leaders to further harness their strength and enhance policy coordination in the region with a precise perspective. As the Secretary also pointed out, the Belt and Road Initiative advocates mutual development and win-win cooperation. Regional collaboration is an essential path for all destinations to achieve sustainability. Being one of the key hubs along the Maritime Silk Road and a major gateway that connects China to the world, Macao is dedicated to supporting and contributing to the vision and actions of the Belt and Road Initiative. Sparing no effort to promote urban development and harness Macao’s unique advantages in culture and tourism, the SAR Government will recognize the vast scope of opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation among countries and cities along the Belt and Road to forge new partnerships with different international partners. Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, concluded this edition, “Throughout history, Macau has always been a platform that brings people together to trade, to exchange ideas, and to work together. Ho continues, “As the Secretary General of UNWTO eloquently expressed, globalization has made us so similar, but tourism brings out the beauty of our uniqueness and diversity, giving character and individuality to each culture. Macau in its strategic physical and historic location stands ready to optimize the Belt and Road Initiative to offer multi-dimensional, multi-faceted and multi-cultural offerings that will give its visitors and its residents lasting collective experience and memories, and create a virtuous cycle of positive and enriching influence from the visitors to the residents, and vice versa.” More than 1,200 delegates from different countries and cities, including Featured Partner Countries Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru as well as provincial and municipal delegations from China attended the event, while over 200 local and overseas media representatives were present and covered the event, representing a 42% and 54% growth compared with the first edition of GTEF. The fifth edition of GTEF will be held in Macao in 2016. The organizer is looking forward to carrying on the achievements and invaluable experience from the first four editions and injecting more innovations into the next edition in terms of both program and format, ensuring that the Forum’s participating partners can go forward with further exchanges and cooperation in tourism across industries, sectors and regions through GTEF as an international platform.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today highlighted three major tasks that need to be performed regarding the clarification of Macao’s role in the management of its customary waters. The three tasks are: development of related regulation; training of professionals; and the acquisition of necessary equipment. These are part of the Government’s efforts to prepare for the new role of managing its customary waters, Mr Chui said. Mr Chui’s comments were made in a meeting with members of an interdepartmental group handling the preparatory works. Earlier in the day, Mr Chui inspected Macao’s maritime waters, including visits to the Taipa waterway, the Outer Harbour and a sea area to the east of the Macau International Airport. The Chief Executive told members of the interdepartmental group to pay close attention to planning, including issues related to management, safety and security of Macao’s customary waters. Mr Chui added that proper handling of these issues would benefit Macao’s coastal economy. The meeting with the members of the interdepartmental group was held in the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. The Chief Executive was briefed on the progress made in delimiting Macao’s customary waters and provided with a schedule of works. In addition, he was also briefed on the plans to manage Macao’s customary waters and the next stage of works. Mr Chui praised the group’s efforts and expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Guangdong Provincial Government and related Central Government agencies. Officials attending the inspection and meeting included: the Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak; the Director-General of Macao Customs Service, Ms Lai Man Wa; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Marine and Water Bureau, Ms Wong Soi Man; the Director of the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, Mr Cheong Sio Kei; the Director of the Legal Affairs Bureau, Mr Liu Dexue; the Acting Commissioner of the Public Security Police Force, Mr Chan Man Tak; and the advisor to Chief Executive’s Office, Mr Ko Chin Hung.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that inward direct investment flows declined by 27.2% year-on-year to MOP 26.3 billion in 2014, as reinvested earnings were reduced by dividend distributions of some enterprises. The inflows were concentrated in Gaming (MOP 12.4 billion), Banks & Securities (MOP 4.9 billion) and Wholesale & Retail (MOP 3.6 billion). Analysed by country/territory of usual residence of direct investors, inflows of direct investment from the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong totalled MOP 8.4 billion, MOP 5.7 billion and MOP 5.5 billion respectively. On the other hand, outward direct investment flows of Macao enterprises amounted to MOP 5.4 billion, resulting in a net inflow of MOP 20.9 billion in 2014. In 2014, inward direct investment income reached MOP 85.0 billion, up by 7.5% year-on-year. Inward direct investment income earned by gaming enterprises hit a record high of MOP 57.1 billion, up by 2.7% year-on-year; income from direct investment in Banks & Securities (MOP 9.1 billion) and Wholesale & Retail (MOP 8.8 billion) rose by 26.8% and 4.6% respectively. Meanwhile, outward direct investment income earned by Macao enterprises amounted to MOP 0.7 billion, up by 174.6% year-on-year; income earned by gaming enterprises from outward direct investment increased significantly by 169.4% to MOP 0.4 billion. At the end of 2014, stock of inward direct investment of Macao reached MOP 218.9 billion, up by 15.5% year-on-year. Analysed by industry, inward direct investment stock in Gaming increased by 11.4% to MOP 128.1 billion, with 52.7% coming from the Cayman Islands; Banks & Securities had MOP 37.9 billion (+18.7%), of which capital from Mainland China accounted for 55.8%; Wholesale & Retail had MOP 22.1 billion (+32.8%), with investment from Hong Kong sharing 57.7%. Analysed by country/territory, inward direct investment stock from the Cayman Islands (MOP 72.4 billion), Hong Kong (MOP 54.7 billion) and the British Virgin Islands (MOP 50.3 billion) rose by 9.7%, 14.7% and 20.2% respectively year-on-year. Stock of outward direct investment of Macao enterprises increased by 26.4% year-on-year to MOP 31.4 billion. Investment in Hong Kong amounted to MOP 5.6 billion and that in Mainland China totalled MOP 5.2 billion, of which MOP 3.9 billion was invested in Guangdong with MOP 1.6 billion in Zhuhai (including Hengqin). Analysed by industry of Macao enterprises, outward direct investment stock of Gaming (MOP 25.7 billion) and Wholesale & Retail (MOP 4.2 billion) increased by 27.4% and 4.8% respectively. 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 includes the major industries of Macao, namely Industrial Production; Construction; Wholesale & Retail; Hotels & Restaurants; Transport, Storage & Communications; Financial Services; Gaming; and Cultural, Recreational & Other Services. In 2014, there were 2,469 enterprises involved in inward direct investment.
…

For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on fresh, refrigerated, and frozen pork on 13 October. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For inquiry, please call the Council’s hotline: 8988 9315.
…

The Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”), an annual mega event for the tourism industry, resumed its second-day program today (13 October). Themed as “Belt and Road Initiative: Unleashing the New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism”, the Forum put on a range of forward-thinking discussions on ways to foster cooperation between culture and tourism for economic growth under the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. This Forum edition renews its collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in co-organizing the much anticipated Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs session, featuring direct dialogue between Asian and Latin American tourism ministers and private leaders from globally‐renowned corporations. With an UNWTO estimate on expected international tourist arrivals to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, and almost 40% of the tourists traveling on a cultural motivation, the session initiated discussion on how tourism leaders in the public and private sectors can build on the momentum started by the Silk Road tourism and incorporate the Belt and Road initiative to unleash the dynamics of cultural tourism, optimize software and hardware connectivity, and reinvent cross-regional connections of historical and cultural roots, in order to make the topic “Abridging our Distances through Connectivity” come true in the world. Headlined by lead speaker Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO, the dialogue was joined by dignitaries including Mr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, the Kingdom of Cambodia; Ms. Sandra Howard Taylor, Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Colombia; Mr. Du Jiang, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration; Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Alejandro Schiavi, Undersecretary of Coordination, Ministry of Tourism, Argentina; Mr. Rodolfo López Negrete Coppel, Chief Executive Officer of Mexico Tourism Board, as well as private leaders like Ms. Pansy Ho, Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings Limited; Mr. Gerald Lawless, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group; Mr. Peter Meier, Chief Executive Officer of Kuoni Group; Mr. Qian Jiannong, Vice President of Fosun Group; Mr. Francisco Silva Silva, Chairman of the Board of Grupo Security and Mr. Zhang Ling, Chairman of HNA Tourism Group Co. Ltd. On the issue of how public and private sectors can create synergy between Silk Road tourism and Belt and Road initiative, lead speaker of the Session Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO and Honorary Chairman of GTEF said, “Culture and tourism public and private sectors should work together towards promoting governance models and initiatives and also promoting culture as a means to add value to the tourism experience.” During the session, Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government elaborated the city’s historic and cultural roots, which can make a strong tie that connects Macao with peoples of different regions around the world, with more friendly visits, exchanges and cooperation based on Macao’s diverse cultural gems, such as cultural heritage, religion, Macanese community, returned overseas Chinese and immigrants as well as historic connections with Portugal. This was followed by the Technical Presentation on Joint Research Project of UNWTO and GTERC. Co-presented by Mr. John Kester, Director of Tourism Market Trends Programme, UNWTO; and Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, a broader scope of study comprising market analysis of Asia Tourism trends, specific highlights on the Pacific Alliance countries and the linkage between urban tourism and culture were presented. The Presentation familiarized delegates on the latest tourism market development.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, on 12 October met with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr Hun Sen. During the meeting, at the Santa Sancha Palace, Mr Chui and Mr Hun Sen exchanged views on how to strengthen cooperation between Macao and Cambodia. Mr Chui welcomed the Cambodian Prime Minister to Macao and thanked him for attending the opening ceremony of the Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2015. He noted that Macao and Cambodia have strong bilateral ties covering several areas, including tourism, business and trade. Mr Chui said he hoped that Mr Hun Sen’s visit to Macao could help extend cooperation to other areas, such as culture, training of human resources and exchange of expertise. Mr Hun Sen, visiting Macao for the first time, noted that Macao and Cambodia were both part of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative (also known as “Belt and Road”), put forward by the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping. This could help further promote cooperation between Macao and Cambodia, he said. Mr Hun Sen said cooperation between Cambodia and Macao could be intensified in three areas, namely trade, investment and tourism. He added that Cambodia already exports several agricultural goods to mainland China – chiefly rice – and could also increase exports to Macao. The Cambodian Prime Minister noted Macao’s stable economic environment and added that Macao enterprises were welcome to invest in Cambodia. He said launching direct flights between Cambodia and Macao would not only boost bilateral ties but also encourage exchanges between Cambodia and cities close to Macao. The Chief Executive shared the same views. He said the Macao Government would actively explore the possibility of launching direct flights between Macao and Cambodia. Regarding trade and investment cooperation, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute would serve as a platform to provide support to enterprises from Macao seeking to invest in Cambodia, he stated. Mr Chui additionally said the Cambodian Government could make use of Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries to promote its agricultural products overseas. Cambodian representatives attending the meeting included: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, Mr Sok An; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the People’s Republic of China, Ms Lok Chumteav Khek Cai Mealy Sysoda; the Minister of Tourism, Mr Thong Khon; and the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Mr Prak Sokhonn. Representatives of the Macao Government in the meeting included: the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan; the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; and the Director of Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng.
…

The Government would continue allocating more resources to promote the development of cultural industries, tourism and other emerging sectors, in an effort to diversify the local economy, Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On said today. Mr Chui made the remarks during a meeting with the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Dr Taleb Rifai. Dr Rifai visited Macao to attend the Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2015. In the meeting, held in the afternoon, Mr Chui expressed his gratitude for UNWTO’s long-term support to Macao, namely in helping to promote the development of the city’s tourism industry. During the morning, at the opening ceremony of the Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2015, representatives of the UNWTO and of the Macao SAR Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Mr Chui said the MoU creates new cooperation opportunities between both sides. It also adds to the Government’s contributions to the implementation of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative (also known as “Belt and Road”). The Government previously announced it plans to establish a committee to coordinate the work of transforming Macao to a world centre of tourism and leisure. Mr Chui noted that the plan would further help integrate Macao’s unique features into the national development strategy. The Government would continue to devote more resources to the cultural and creative industries; to the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry; and to the traditional Chinese medicine sector, in an effort to achieve greater synergies between cultural development and tourism, said Mr Chui. He added this could help diversify Macao’s tourism industry and attract more overseas tourists, as aimed by the Government. Mr Chui also stated that the Government has a sound financial reserve able to cope with any challenges or unforeseen circumstances, despite the recent decline in revenue from the city’s gaming industry. During the meeting, Dr Rifai said the Macao Government was visionary in the way it actively engaged mainland China, creating a favourable environment for development and a win-win situation for both sides. The UNWTO and the Macao Government will strive to strengthen exchanges of knowledge and expertise, following the signing of today’s MoU, Dr Rifai said. He added that the UNWTO would provide support to train specialised professionals to help promote Macao’s development. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng, also joined the meeting. He noted that Macao has the capacity and infrastructure to hold major international events, such as the Macau Grand Prix, the Macau International Marathon or the Macau International Dragon Boat Races. Mr Tam said he hoped the UNWTO would continue to support Macao’s tourism development. Officials attending today’s meeting included: the Executive Secretary and Director for Asia and the Pacific of the UNWTO, Mr Xu Jing; the Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific of the UNWTO, Ms Kelly Ko Yun Keong; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng; and the Director of Macau Government Tourism Office, Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. Earlier today, Mr Chui officiated the opening ceremony of the Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2015. He said the Forum would create more opportunities for regional cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative. Mr Chui said Macao has been an important platform to strengthen cultural exchanges. As such, the goal of transforming Macao to a world centre for tourism and leisure and its inclusion in the “Belt and Road” initiative could help further leverage the city’s cultural appeal based on the “Historic Centre of Macao”. The annual Forum, in its fourth edition, is hosted by the Macao Government, and it meets this year under the theme: “Belt and Road Initiative: Unleashing the New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism”. It brings together experts, scholars and government officials from different regions of the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities offered by the “Belt and Road” initiative.
…

The Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2015 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) was unveiled solemnly this morning (12 October). As the host of the Forum, the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government specially hosted a grand welcome dinner at Grand Hyatt Macau, City of Dreams tonight as a warm reception for the Forum guests from the Mainland and around the world, and to extend wishes that the discussions tomorrow will generate a wealth of innovative ideas to foster global tourism cooperation. Various prestigious guests marked their presence in the welcome dinner including Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum 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. Zang Xianfu, Chairman of Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Mr. Wang Huizhong, Deputy Secretary of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China; Mr. Sun Wenyou, Vice Chairman of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Ms. Sandra Howard Taylor, Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Colombia; Mr. Chen Yixing, Vice Chairman of Fujian Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Mr. Yao Jian, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Cai Siping, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Mr. Leong Vai Tac, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Wang Shangkang, Director of Department of Publicity and Education, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC); Mr. Alejandro Schiavi, Undersecretary of Coordination, Ministry of Tourism, Argentina; Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF; Mr. Xu Jing, Executive Secretary of the General Assembly and the Executive Council of UNWTO, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at UNWTO as well as Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF; Mr. David Scowsill, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF as well as Mr. Kevin Murphy, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF, among others. Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, stated in his welcome speech that, since its inauguration in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum has become a significant event for fostering greater networking for top-level tourism leaders and joint research work for development of tourism trends. It also serves as an influential platform for the exploration of major challenges, risks and opportunities for tourism development. This year, the Forum will address key issues relating to the synergy effects from culture and tourism. He added that though Macao is a small city, it is blessed with a ‘east-meets-west’ legacy which has long inspired the city to play a pivotal role in the regional development of tourism industry. With proper site protection, preservation and management, Macao’s cultural heritage is also a core element that fosters tourism development in Macao. The Macao SAR Government will continue generating new momentums to develop Macao as an international tourist destination. Building on the city’s own strengths, the government will work together with stakeholders in the industry on providing more sightseeing attractions and pleasure for visitors. Secretary Tam hopes that this Forum will once again be an event where new alliance is built, new influence is developed and new course of tourism trend is charted. To showcase the cultural vibrancy of the Belt and Road countries, the dinner was decorated with magnificent and melodic performance by Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra from Zhejiang Province, the Forum’s Featured Province. The fourth edition of GTEF will continue its comprehensive program tomorrow (13 October) with a range of in-depth topical panels scheduled. There will also be business matching and networking programs, providing ample opportunities for Forum attendees to exchange ideas and explore new possibilities for tourism business cooperation.
…

The Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT), through the IFT Tourism Research Centre, hosted the TOURISM 20:20 international symposium on 12 October at IFT new Taipa campus. Scholars, industry executives, and educators in the area of tourism from Macao and around the world attended the event and shared ideas on tourism development over the last 20 years and discussed challenges ahead in the next 2 decades. The symposium is one of the series of events celebrating the 20th anniversary of IFT. During the opening session, Dr. Fanny Vong, President of IFT and Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) welcomed all the delegates, which included more than 120 participants from the academic community and from the industry coming from at least 10 countries and regions. After that, a signing ceremony took place during which the founding (working committee) members of the new Global Research Alliance in Tourism (GReAT) signed a Joint Statement witnessed by the UNWTO Secretary General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, and IFT’s President, Dr. Fanny Vong. The Joint Statement affirms the urgent need to address the most persistent and important research issues, problems, and unresolved questions in tourism on a global scale, through a worldwide network of institutional partners working and pooling together their collective knowledge and resources. The Director of the IFT Tourism Research Centre (ITRC), Professor Leonardo (Don) A.N. Dioko was joined by nine partners from renowned tourism research centres and universities in Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States in signing the Joint Statement. During the symposium, discussants including Mr. Mario Hardy, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Dr. Yeong-Hyeon Hwang, Chairman, Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA), Mr. Xu Jing, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, UNWTO together with Dr. Kamilla Swart, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa reviewed and exchanged ideas on the lessons from the past and challenges for the future of tourism industry. Another session covering the past and future of tourism education and knowledge was discussed by Dr. Niramit Kunanuwat, Suan Dusit University, Thailand, Dean Haemoon Oh, University of South Carolina, US, Professor Noel Scott, Griffith University, Australia, and Professor Christopher Ryan, University of Waikato, New Zealand. About the symposium TOURISM 20:20 international symposium examined tourism development over the last 20 years and looked at the challenges ahead in the next 20. Tourism has progressed tremendously in the last twenty years. Rapid globalisation and integration, technological advances, climate change, the advent of low-cost travel and accommodation, and more open visa policies are but a few of the great changes that shaped travel. While the last two decades brought forth momentous change for all countries and for the travel industry, it also portended great adversity and difficulties on issues of security, freedom to travel, equality and emergent diseases, and conflict. Issues including how has travel changed in the last 20 years, the lessons have been learned, how has the travel industry coped with change, the opportunities and challenges lie ahead among the questions TOURISM 20:20 addressed with the help of a few individuals best placed to share their thoughts, insights, and ideas on the matter. About ITRC As part of its mission, IFT Tourism Research Centre regularly organises and participates in international meetings, symposia, and conferences. ITRC seeks to foster research locally and internationally. Its collaboration with other universities helps bring attention to the most relevant issues about tourism related developments as well as benefit the tourism development of Macao. About IFT 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 85 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).
…

On 12 October, Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) held a plaque unveiling ceremony to inaugurate its new Taipa campus at the former University of Macau Library. Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Dr. Chiu Sai On, with the witness of Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR, and Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), unveiled the plaque to inaugurate the new Taipa campus of IFT. The ceremony was also witnessed by the Institute’s staff, students, guests and partners from Macao and overseas, marking an important milestone for the Institute as it is given better conditions to uphold its mission to provide quality education and training. Macao SAR Government has granted IFT the former University of Macau Library, the Staff Quarter building, two laboratories, in addition to the East Asia Hall being granted earlier. The new premises enable IFT to offer a better and more spacious and interactive teaching and learning environment. More programmes and professional courses can be planned to respond to the needs of the industry and the changing industry environment. More local and international students and scholars can also be welcome to further enhance the Institute’s multi-cultural teaching, research and learning environment. New training facilities including a training hotel will be incorporated in the new campus for training and practice. All these serve the ultimate goal of enhancing tourism education and training in Macao, so as to develop competent industry professionals and leaders who will help realise Macao’s vision to become a World Centre for Tourism and Leisure. During the Global Tourism Economy Forum earlier today (12 Oct), Macao SAR Government and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to establish a Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training through the involvement of IFT. Once the Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training is set up, both parties will work together to implement projects that include delivering training and education programmes, carrying out joint tourism research projects, and offering technical placement and internship opportunities. The objective of the Centre is to enhance the quality of human capital and increase the competitiveness of tourism destinations (particularly in the Asia Pacific Region) in order to achieve sustainable tourism development in long run. It is hoped that this collaboration will further strengthen Macao’s position as a well-developed tourism destination and will capitalise on Macao’s expertise in tourism education. With the improved conditions provided to IFT, it is believed that the project will achieve the intended results. Established in 1995, the Institute for Tourism Studies 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 85 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).
…