The Government of the Macau SAR signed an agreement with China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) on 2^nd June to set up a 'Joint Working Committee on Tourism to Support Macau's Aspirations to Build a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure'. The agreement - inked by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Director General of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs Office Liu Kezhi - seeks to actively promote Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

The major contents of the agreement include the composition of a joint working committee, work rules, promotional initiatives, co-operation between Macau and the Mainland, industry management, policy research, and regional co-operation.

On the same day, the committees organized a seminar about how to support the development of Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Many experts, leaders and intellectuals from the Mainland and Macau debated the topic.

At the seminar, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis, Tam Chon Weng remarked that if Macau wants to develop as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, excellence is a prerequisite. He mentioned that at the beginning of this year, Macau was invited by UNWTO to join the 1^st World Conference on Tourism and Culture with UNESCO. Participants were interested in Macau as there are very few places that can credibly develop culture and tourism together.

Furthermore, Alexis Tam said that regional co-operation could help the territory fulfill its aspirations to be a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, especially regarding the increasing co-operation between Guangdong and Macau as the two places have the same target. From Macau to the cities of the west of Guangdong, it is believed that the two places could enjoy a win-win co-operation. Also, Macau could combine different industries such as events, business activities, culture and the creative industry in order to help develop tourism. Smart tourism is one of the directions of development awaiting Macau, as well, he noted.

Chairman of CNTA Li Jinzao pointed out that the Central Government and CNTA strongly supported the sustainable development of Macau tourism. Regarding the development of Macau towards the long-term goal of transforming itself into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, he mentioned four important points: one, research of tourists, residents and the government were necessary, two, maintaining the features of Macau development, three, based on original research, continue to study the integration of Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai, in particular, strengthen co-operation, an area which CNTA would provide support, four, adjust Macau's carrying capacity from a technical aspect.