MSAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On met with the Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Peter Lam, and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TICHK) on 22^nd March, when the two officials discussed prospects for broadening tourism co-operation between the two Special Administrative Regions.

Mr. Chui briefed the delegation that over time Macao's economy has been entering a period of adjustment. Macao has increased the promotion of economic diversification, actively participated in regional co-operation, and striven to achieve sustainable development. It is hoped that a corresponding increase in non-gaming elements can promote the diversification of the tourism market. Total visitor arrivals have been maintained at 30 million, which mainly comprises visitors from Mainland China, Hong Kong and the Taiwan region, and about 10 per cent from the international market. Macao hope to continue to strengthen co-operation with Hong Kong and join hands for multi-destination tourism promotion in order to attract visitors to Macao as well as several nearby destinations.

Mr. Lam said the completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge would be an important milestone in terms of promoting closer co-operation in tourism. He also introduced their new ideas regarding a recent partnership between Hong Kong and Taiwan region to promote multi-destination tourism in Asia. He believes further co-operation with Macao can drive more visitors to visit Hong Kong and Macao.

HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau remarked that total visitor arrivals to Hong Kong had fallen by about 2.5 per cent last year, the first drop in 12 years. He indicated that the focus of this year includes the promotion of the Southeast Asian market and co-operation with Macao for multi-destination tours, in addition to identifying new markets such as India for promotion, especially for families.

Also attending the meeting were Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam; Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Ip Peng Kin; Director of the Government Information Bureau Victor Chan; Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office Fung Sio Weng; President of the Institute for Tourism Studies Fanny Vong; and the Chairman of TICHK Jason Wong among others.