13 September 2012, Hong Kong – The inaugural Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF); first of its kind in China, was successfully held 9 – 11 September 2012 at Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. Hosted by the Macau SAR Government, co-organized by China Chamber of Tourism, the Forum was unveiled under the theme of “Growth Driving Growth: Examining the Synergistic Interplay between Tourism and Economic Development,” which brought together influential leaders from different sectors worldwide and delegates from international organizations.  Five hot topics were covered during the course of three days, including (1) Mega Events & Festivals, (2) Emerging New Markets, (3) Media & Technology, (4) Destination Planning and (5) Lifestyle & Entertainment.  Peter Wong Man Kong, President of Culture Resources Development Co Ltd, also Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China Chamber of Tourism and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, was invited to deliver a speech on “Emerging New Markets” session and share his experience on how to discern the trend of new tourist market.

Peter Wong underlined in his speech that tourism industry not only possesses the significance in economy, employment, education and entertainment, “it also serves ecological and exchange of culture to foster global harmonious development.”  And that tourism industry has integrated with time and turned to a precious universal value.  Wong pointed out that the world famous Silk Road, renowned for its rich cultural and natural heritages, has an unlimited potential development for tourism, which could boost cultural exchange and help establish a long-term friendly relationship between nations.  In particular, the subject of “Green Silk Road” was raised in the recent Euroasia Expo, stressing the importance of green culture which aims to increase public awareness of environmental issues.  The ample and unexploited resources for tourists market in China is another focal point.  Taking the advantage of loosening border migration control of neighbouring countries, regions with vast natural and cultural heritages in western China such as Xinjiang and Tibet have been rendered as one of the recent key-point infrastructure investment policies.  “China has invested heavily in the past five years in developing infrastructures in railway, airport, new roadways to reach out to these nations;  Government investments and new policy to attract foreign investment have opened up to the whole world to participate,” he added.

Wong looks forward to taking part in different tourism events to exchange views and share industry experience with global tourism trade leaders and delegates, as well as to facilitating the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the world.