GTEF | Forum highlights need for multi- lateral approach to cultural tourism

Pansy Ho takes the stage during the closing ceremony of the Global Tourism Economic Forum 2015

The need for a multilateral approach to cultural tourism was highlighted by Pansy Ho and Alexis Tam at the Global Tourism Economic Forum (GTEF)’s closing ceremony, held yesterday evening at the Venetian Macao.
The vice chairman and secretary-general of the forum, Pansy Ho took to the stage first and emphasized in her speech that no country “is promoting their own tourist products alone.”
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, concurred before adding that “regional collaboration is an essential path for all destinations to achieve sustainability.” She said that the discussions and ideas shared throughout the forum ultimately “lead to how we work together.”
Alexis Tam also quoted the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which was adopted during the U.N. Sustainable Development Summit 2015, saying that “all cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.”
As for Macau, Pansy Ho reaffirmed that the region had “played a unique role in the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) throughout history,” bringing people together to trade and to share ideas, and that this role was destined to continue in the 21st century. Alexis Tam praised Macau’s success in harnessing the city’s unique advantages in culture and tourism, adding that “Macau is willing to work together with our partners to undertake coordinated regional and international actions.”
The ceremony highlighted the importance of 2015 for cultural tourism – a year that the China National Tourism Administration has named the “Year of Silk Road Tourism”. It is also the year that Macau celebrates the tenth anniversary of the listing of its historic center as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pansy Ho and Alexis Tam both presented their speeches in English, with simultaneous translations into Portuguese, Cantonese and Mandarin. They both expressed their final gratitude to the speakers, delegates, partners, and the media before welcoming a number of special guests on stage to officially conclude the forum. Staff Reporter