MGTO Announces Four Major Objectives for 2018

On the occasion of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Annual Press Conference on 17^th January, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said that during 2018 MGTO would embark upon the implementation of the suggestions and recommendations proposed by the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan. In particular, it would strive to promote the role of the tourism industry as a key driver of economic progress and the development of other related industries, taking forward work under four major goals. Some 400 representatives from the tourism industry and media attended the Press Conference.

The four major goals comprise the following:

1. Actively participate in 'Belt and Road' tourism development

The Office will undertake new steps to widen the spectrum of collaboration with Mainland China and countries along the 'Belt and Road'; strengthen co-operation with other members of the China Maritime Silk Road Tourism Promotion Alliance; jointly develop unique international travel itineraries and tourism products, and promote multi-destination travel itineraries; capitalize on major travel expos and conferences to promote the tourism resources of Mainland provinces and cities along the Maritime Silk Road; and continue to support the tourism personnel training of Portuguese-speaking countries.

2. Disseminate unique advantages of Macao, jointly build Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area into one destination

The Office will achieve this objective by expediting the tourism integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and join hands with other partner cities to tap source markets across Mainland China and overseas.

It will promote the multi-destination tourism products of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area as well as brand the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area as one travel destination in major source markets to foster the cultural and tourism development of the Pearl River Delta Region. In addition, it will propose joint promotions in overseas markets with other cities of the Bay Area under the Framework Agreement on Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao.

3. Implement holistic tourism, optimize tourism environment

MGTO will facilitate balanced social and economic development; evaluate the current travel alert system and civil protection mechanism; boost Smart Tourism development by harnessing innovative technology to enrich the travel experience of visitors, building a large tourism database as well as reinforcing management of tourism carrying capacity; and continue to implement the Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme, while conducting a feasibility study on bringing other sectors into the Scheme.

In addition, it will refine tourism-related laws by following up with revisions of the proposed laws on licensing and operation of hotel establishments as well as supporting legislative work regarding the regulation of travel agencies and tour guides; launch online services for license application to enhance licensing efficiency; put stronger efforts into industry management to enhance quality tourism; and continue to optimize Macao Tourism News-plus.

4. Promote cultural, sports and gastronomy products, build maritime tourism brand

The Office will harness a blend of historic and cultural resources to develop local cultural tourism and community tourism products.

Following the designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it will launch 'Macao Year of Gastronomy' and promote Macao's cultural image under the theme of gastronomy, as well as organize and support international events themed around gastronomy - for example, the International Gastronomy Forum and Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2018 awards ceremony - while enhancing communication with members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

It will forge Macao into a City of Events by continuing to organize, co-organize and support a diversity of events and festivals; enhance synergies across the areas of tourism, culture and sport; continue the remodelling project of the Macao Grand Prix Museum; and support industry partners operating maritime tours around Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane.