THE upcoming Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) will be held at the Venetian Macao from 12 to 14 October, 2015 under the theme of Belt and Road Initiative – Unleashing the New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism.
Building upon the premise of the 21st century Maritime Silk Road which represents open and inclusive regional and international cooperation, GTEF 2015 will explore subject matters like connectivity, public-private partnership, Chinese consumers behaviour, overseas investment trends and cultural heritage.
Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily, Peter Wong, vice chairman of GTEF and the executive chairman of China Chamber of Tourism, said: “China is already well known to be the largest outbound tourism market, and it will grow to be the largest inbound market as well.
“So anything that happens in China is going to deeply affect the world because of its extent and influence,” said Wong.
Pointing out how GTEF stands out from the other tradeshows, he said: “What makes us different is that we are the only platform that feature official channels sharing about the latest China policies, as well as key players from the private sector.”
Programme highlights this year will include direct dialogue sessions between tourism ministers from The Pacific Alliance partners like the nations of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Selected Asian countries and private sector CEOs will also be attending and examining tourism’s role in the area of cross-regional cooperation.
For panel discussions, understanding Chinese consumer behaviour and the impact of cultural tourism will take the spotlight.
Since its launch in 2012, the GTEF has attracted over 3,000 participants from 45 countries and regions. It has also welcomed 49 provincial and municipal delegations from China. Wong said they are looking forward to welcome more than 1,000 international participants in this coming forum.
