Asia-Pacific region to receive 535 million int’l tourists by 2030

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to receive approximately 535 million international tourists by 2030, according to the Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends drafted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Center (GTERC).
The research document was presented yesterday at the 3rd Global Tourism Economy Forum’s opening ceremony. Taking place at The Venetian Macao, the three-day event brings together government officials and tourism experts from across the globe to discuss the industry’s current trends as well as its future.
The Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends acknowledges that the Asia-Pacific region has experienced a strong growth in inbound tourism, having welcomed a total of 248 million international tourist arrivals in 2013, about 23 percent of the world’s sum. This share is expected to reach 30 percent by 2030, reaching 535 million international tourists.
By jointly carrying out research on tourism trends, both entities stated they share a commitment “to promoting tourism as an economic drive,” while working on sharing knowledge and experiences, encouraging discussions and providing solutions. They also aim to work on reform of policies and practices to further develop the tourism economy.
The Global Tourism Economy Forum’s program is being rolled out under the theme “Maritime Silk Road – From Macau We Begin.” Nations wishing to establish the 21st century Maritime Silk Road are coming together in Macau to explore strategic and intercontinental cooperation, as well as business opportunities in tourism.
“The Forum has invited 40 ministerial officials, globally-
renowned corporate leaders, experts and scholars, to kick start an in-depth analysis and formulate innovative solutions for sustainable prosperity of the Maritime Silk Road region,” organizers said.
This year, about 1,000 delegates from a wide range of countries and cities in the world are joining the three-day event. The vice-president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Massoud Soltanifar, is one of the main invited guests.
The Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Edmund Ho, recalled that tourism “is defined as the fifth strategic pillar industry of the country’s five-year plan and is an indispensable element for building up the new Maritime Silk Road economic belt.”
Delivering a speech in yesterday’s opening ceremony, he stressed that by exploring new ways of developing the Maritime Silk Road, they hope to “extend the influence of tourism economy to various regions (…) achieving mutual benefits.”
Macau’s Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, highlighted the forum’s role as a platform for the exchange of opinions and debate on the Maritime Silk Road development. He added that the event comes at a time when there’s a clear trend of fostering cooperation across Asia, while “promoting global peace and development.”
The Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Xu Jing, gave a brief presentation of the UNWTO and GTERC Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends. Speaking to reporters, he stressed that cultural heritage across the Maritime Silk Road countries should be seen as a tourism resource. “We would like to further explore these primitive resources,” he said, adding that they should be transformed into actual tourism products.
Xu Jing said that through the forum and by furthering
cooperation across the Maritime Silk Road countries, they also aim to attract more investment into tourism.
But as not all countries within the Maritime Silk Road have reached the same level of development. UNWTO’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific acknowledged that development might be not be even or balanced within the region, but added that “this unevenness” can actually unveil new opportunities for further development.
Today’s program features panels and forum sessions looking at the evolution of the Maritime Silk Road; dialogues between ministers and private sector representatives on the development of tourism; as well as different presentations by representatives of the UNWTO, and by government officials from various countries, including Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates.
Tomorrow’s program features a “Macau UNESCO City Tour” as well as a pavilion exhibition for the Maritime Silk Road countries, provinces, and cities, taking place at The Venetian Macao.
The Global Tourism Economy Forum is organized by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture, with the support of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR, among other entities.