WTCF Hosts "Region and City Collaboration" Panel Discussion

The 6th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) was held from Oct 16-17, in Macao. The Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2017 was hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism, and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre. The Forum gathered together many ministerial officials, leaders of globally renowned corporations, experts and scholars from around the world to explore how tourism collaboration characterized by shared interests and mutual respect is conducive to the building of a better future among nations and regions, and creation of opportunities and synergies.

Since the signing of the agreement between WTCF and the Global Tourism Economic Forum in 2015, the two parties established good cooperative relations in academic research and business exchanges, and have supported each other in a variety of ways. This not only promotes the growth of the two organizations, but it also jointly boosts the development of the world tourism. During the forum, WTCF hosted one of the sub-forums of the World Tourism Economy Forum. This helped to further enhance both parties’ involvement in establishing comprehensive strategic partnerships.

Many prominent guests gather at the Opening Ceremony of GTEF • Macao 2017

Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum delivers a speech

The two-day forum attracted participants from various countries and regions from around the world, including delegations from the 16 Central and Eastern European countries and from Guizhou province, the partner guest. The Forum’s program presents thought-provoking keynotes and discussion panels, starting with its signature Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs session with the largest speaker lineup ever. This collaboration with UNWTO brought together ministerial officials and global industry leaders to engage in a direct dialogue under the topic “Embracing Regional Collaboration for Collective Growth”, and to explore how regional and inter-regional collaboration can create positive developments beyond geographic borders.

The next day, the World Tourism Organization and Global Tourism Economy Research Centre released the 2017 UNWTO/GTERC Asia Tourism Trends Report, and with it presenting tourism trends and outlook of the region. Meanwhile, there were six panel discussions that focused on the topics about Greater Bay Area, region and city collaboration, and Consumption upgrade. In addition, events such as business communication and matching trading were also held.

Yan Han, Deputy Secretary-General of WTCF, delivers keynote speech

On behalf of WTCF, Deputy Secretary-General of WTCF Yan Han, was an honored VIP Guest of the forum and he attended the event “16+1 Central and Eastern Europe Tourism Exchange with China”. As a strategic partner, WTCF hosted the panel discussion “Regional Collaboration—World Cities Perspective” during the forum.

The world urbanization rate has exceeded 54%. UN’s department of Economic and Social Affairs forecasts that by 2050, 66% of the world’s population is projected to be living in urban areas. WTCF’s report shows that cities inspire innovation have been playing an increasingly important role in global social, economic, and tourism development since they are the main destinations and tourist-source market. In the context of regional collaboration and sustainable development, cities are expected to contribute more through collaboration.

Dr. Song Rui, Director of the Tourism Research Center, Chinese Academy of Social Science and member of WTCF Expert Committee, hosts the panel session

The panel discussion presented by WTCF

Dr. Song Rui, Director of the Tourism Research Center, Chinese Academy of Social Science and member of WTCF Expert Committee, was invited to host the panel discussion, and delivered keynote speeches along with Deputy Secretary-General Yan Han. Li Yunpeng Associate Professor of Tourism Management, The College of Business Administration; Director of Internet Plus Institute, Capital University of Economics and Business; Hila Oren, Chief Executive Officer of Tel Aviv Foundation; Aigars Smiltans, Director of MEET RĪGA; Dániel Szabó, Market Manager of Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre; Masato Takamatsu, Managing Director and Chief Research Officer of JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co., were invited to joined the discussion. During the session, panelists spoke about several topics including, “City cluster and tourism development, The ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative and cities collaboration, Tourism collaboration in the world’s famous bay areas, Cities’ collaboration for sustainable tourism, etc”. The guests expressed their views on the above questions.

Group photo of Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman & Secretary-General, Global Tourism Economy Forum, and Speakers of the panel discussion