A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on April 21 in Portugal between GTEF and UNWTO to elevate their cooperation in tourism, economy and culture.

The MoU was witnessed by chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Ho Iat Seng with the World Tourism Organization represented by the secretary-general Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, and chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, Ms. Pansy Ho.

“We believe that with the elevated collaboration, we will further contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the global tourism and related industries as well as promoting the diversified development of Macao,” said Mr. Lei Wai Nong, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR Government.

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili stated that the Gobal Tourism Economy Forum will be the platform to bring together governments, business leaders, international organisations and entrepreneurs.

While Ms.Pansy Ho remarked: “In 2023, the GTEF will celebrate its 10 year milestone. In our next decade, we hope to establish the GTEF as the “Davos of Tourism” — embodying the Davos mission of openness and cooperation.”

The main participants of the MoU were the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal, Portugal Tourism Board, Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism, Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and six integrated tourism and leisure enterprises from Macao.

The 10th GTEF will convene in Macao in late September 2023.  Shanghai is invited to join the 10th GTEF as the ‘Featured Chinese City’. At the same time, GTEF has also invited Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the four biggest economies in Europe, to be its Partner Country this year.

Beginning in 2024, the location for GTEF will alternate each year, between other international destinations and Macao, to promote international cooperation and cultural exchange, as well as  strengthen GTEF’s international status.