The Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training (hereafter the Centre) organised a training programme titled 'Strategic Tourism Planning and Management for a Sustainable Future' from 22^nd to 29^th May. It is the third time training has been held by the Centre, followed two professional training programmes for representatives from Asia Pacific countries and regions last year. The Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training, officially set up by the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) in 2016, has organised several training and education programmes for tourism officials and industry representatives in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Twenty-one representatives from Myanmar, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mainland China and the Macao SAR participated in the programme. In addition, ten representatives from Portuguese-speaking countries - namely, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Timor Leste - organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office also joined some sessions of the programme.

On 26^th May, the faculty and participants of the training programme had a meeting with Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam. During the meeting, Alexis Tam said that the objective of the Centre was to enhance co-operation between the two parties to improve the quality of human capital and increase the competitiveness of tourism destinations in order to achieve sustainable tourism development.

Secretary Tam added that the Macao SAR Government supports and encourages IFT's Global Centre for Tourism Education organising more training programmes for different countries, especially those along 'One Belt, One Road'. Apart from education and training, he hoped Macao could further collaborate with 'One Belt, One Road' countries and regions in other areas including tourism, culture, healthcare, sports and social services.

The eight days training programme included lectures, case studies, experience sharing, presentations and visits. In addition to lectures delivered by scholars and experts, IFT invited the Secretary-General of the Talent Development Committee, Sou Chio Fai, and representatives of the Human Resources Department of Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Sands Macao to share their experiences with regard to nurturing talent and human resources management. Participants also visited the World Heritage monuments of the Historic Centre of Macao, museums and hotels in order to understand the planning and management of tourism facilities in Macao.