Macao SAR Government Hosts Welcome Dinner of GTEF 2014

Macao (Macau SAR) – October 27, 2014 – The Global Tourism Economy Forum Macau 2014 (the GTEF or Forum) an event hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co – organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All – China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government hosted a grand welcome dinner tonight to greet the Forum’s domestic and overseas guests, extending wishes that tomorrow’s discussions will inspire more creative ide as and innovations that foster global tourism cooperation.

Ms. Cecília Cheung, Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, stated in her welcome message on behalf of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture. This year the Macao SAR celebrates the 15th Anniversary of Establishment. Over the years, the Macao SAR has been moving forward in steady progress with devoted efforts to become a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, and forging ahead with the adequate diversification of our economic development. Being the host city of the first three editions of GTEF, Macao has earned a wealth of valuable experience. The Macao SAR Government will join hands with local trade to foster international cooperation in tourism in an active role. Meanwhile, by hosting international meetings to gain more experience, we will further equip ourselves comprehensively and seize the chance to show our destination to the world while enhancing Macao’s international status and influence.

Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of GTEF; H.E. Dr. Massoud Soltanifar, Vice – President of Islamic Republic of Iran, and President of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization; Mr. Qiang Wei, Party Secretary of the Communist Party of China Jiangxi Provincial Committee; Mr. Li Gang, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Márcio Favilla Lucca de Paula, Executive Director for Operational Programmes and Institutional Relations, UNWTO; Mr. Hu Zhengyue, 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; Ms . Du Yili, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA); Mr. An Qiyi, Vice – Chairman of All – China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC); Dr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Scott Supernaw, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF; and Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism and Vice Chairman of GTEF are among the prestigious guest s in the welcome dinner.

To showcase the diversity and attractiveness of MSR cultural treasures, a porcelain musical instrument performance was presented by Jiangxi Provincial Song and Dance Theatre to liven up the welcome dinner . The entertainment was extended to the after – dinner Fu jian Province Dance Drama Dreams Seeking on Silk Sea Route performance presented by Fujian Provincial Song and Dance Theatre at the University of Macau.

The third edition of the Forum is dedicated to leading timely and systematic discussion s on the transformation of the Maritime Silk Road ( MSR) region, and actively responding to our Country’s initiatives of establishing the 21st century MSR under the theme of Maritime Silk Road From Macau We Begin . The Forum also aims to explore strategic intercontinental cooperation in tourism and business opportunities across nations, provinces and cities along the MSR route, carrying on the same exploratory spirit of our predecessors who reshaped the economic landscape over the past decades.

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