Recently, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) signed a framework agreement on "Improving the Quality of Cooperation between the UNWTO and the GTEF" in Lisbon, Portugal. At the same time, a memorandum of cooperation was signed to launch the GTEF "Biennial Macao - International hosting model".
Li Weinong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and executive chairman of the GTEF, said that the signing of the framework agreement on "Improving the Quality of Cooperation between the UNWTO and the GTEF" marked a new milestone in the "going global" of the GTEF. In the future, we believe that with the support of the upgraded cooperation between the two sides, we will further contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the global tourism industry and related industries, promote the diversified development of Macao SAR, and "introduce" more development opportunities to Macao.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili looks forward to seeing more about the future of the GTEF. He believes that tourism in the new era needs a platform for exchanges and cooperation that brings together government agencies, business leaders, international organizations and entrepreneurs. As the premier gathering of global travel industry leaders, the GTEF can be unrivalled in its impact, while providing the best platform for governments and businesses to combine strengths and capabilities and apply them to achieve common goals. In the future, UNWTO and GTEF can look forward to more global cooperation in diverse areas such as tourism, economy and culture in the post-COVID-19 era, on the basis of their existing deepening cooperation.
A memorandum of Understanding was signed between UNWTO and the World Centre for Tourism Economics, the organiser of the GTEF
UNWTO and GTEF also announced the establishment of a new partnership. To this end, UNWTO signed a memorandum of cooperation with the World Center for Tourism Economics, the organization of GTEF, to launch a new model of GTEF Biennial Macau-International conference, and strengthen the international positioning of GTEF. Pachy Ho, president of the Center for World Tourism Economics Research, pointed out that the GTEF, which is rooted in Macao, will be held every two years from 2024 to other regions or countries. The annual forum will be hosted by overseas cities and Macao on a rotating basis every year to encourage a broader dialogue on how tourism can better meet the needs of various parties and build greater international cooperation and cultural integration. In the next 10 years, the GTEF will aim to be the Davos of the tourism industry and demonstrate openness and cooperation in promoting Davos.
This year's GTEF will be held in late September and will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Both Shanghai as the guest of honor and Italy as a cooperation country will explore cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation with Macao, seize the growth opportunities in recreation, leisure and sports tourism, and explore the interaction potential of tourism markets between China and Portuguese-speaking countries as well as Europe.
