Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and Chairperson of  Tourism Development Committee, hosted the first CDT Plenary Meeting in the Tourism Activities Center at 11 am.

    According to Dr. Alexis Tam, he has been promoting the sustainable development of the tourism industry and increasing the synergy effects. Regarding the “Wushu Carnival” to be held in August this year, he highlighted that Macao has a solid foundation required for this event, which would certainly demonstrate the strengths and characteristics of the city. It has been more than half a century since the “Competition between  Wu and Chen” took place at the Piscina Municipal Estoril last century. Since then, the influence of Wushu has stirred up the continuous popularity of martial arts novels and movies. Therefore, the “Wushu Carnival” will involve different elements of tourism, sports, event, cultures and creativity, with the aim of creating a carnival focusing on spreading the spirit of Wushu and to inherit the Chinese culture. In addition to the competition of Wushu, the “Wushu Carnival” will invite the leaders and masters of different factions of martial arts to demonstrate traditional Chinese martial arts, allowing exchange and interaction with residents and tourists. There will also be performances such as lion dance and dragon dance. According to previous experience, the event can be extended up to a week and developed gradually to a large-scale annual activity that is suitable for all people from children to the elderly, in order to enable the participation of residents and tourists. This would not only encourage sports for all but also extend the stay of tourists in Macao.

    Mr. Pun Weng Kun, Director of Sports Bureau, presented the progress of the preliminary work of the “Wushu Carnival” in the meeting. In general, the Committee members were supportive of this initiative of the SAR Government. Some of the members suggested inviting martial arts actors to participate in the event for “celebrity effect”; others commented that the event should be fashionable and stylish in order to attract greater participation of young people. Dr. Alexis Tam replied that last year the Grand Prix achieved incredible results by inviting famous actors as it made the public enjoy more during the exciting races.

    Later on, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) presented the latest tourism development status. From January to March 2016, there were over 7.4 million tourists visiting Macao, an increase of 0.6% year-on-year. Most of the tourists were from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Although the number of tourists from Mainland China was approximately 5 million, representing a decrease of 1.7% year-on-year, it showed an increase of 7.4% of international tourists which exceeded 700,000, with an impressive increase from South Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand, which reflected the initial success of the improvement of a tourist structure made by MGTO. The recent “Labor Day” holidays witnessed a growth of tourists coming to Macao.

    At the meeting, MGTO made a detailed presentation on the progress of the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan. The public consultation will be held between 23 May and 22 July during which the draft of the Plan will be promoted via television, radio, newspapers, internet and roadshow in order to collect opinions and suggestions from residents and industries.

    For the future development of the tourism industry, some members suggested that the government should set a working schedule for the industry, and all departments follow up interdepartmental projects in a proactive manner. Some other members suggested the government increases cooperation with the industry in organizing major tourism events, especially suggesting some tickets be sold by the industry as an agent in combination with hotel voucher or in other ways to achieve synergistic effects. With respect to these suggestions, Dr. Alexis Tam said that the departments under the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture will have more communication with the industry, strengthen their cooperation and coordinate interdepartmental efforts among different offices to enhance overall effectiveness.

    Committee members who expressed opinions in the meeting included Chan Wai Kuok, Kwan Yany Yan Chi, Chow Kam Fai David, Lou I Wa, Pansy Ho Chiu King, Kan Man Neng, Ieong Chi Wa, Chao Hoi In, Lei U Weng, Cheung Kin Chung, Wong Ian Man, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Cheng Wai Tong, Chan Chi Kit and Lam Hin San.