Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and Chairperson of Tourism Development Committee, hosted the second plenary meeting in the Tourism Activities Center at 9:30.

     Dr. Alexis Tam addressed that the Central Government hopes Macao to develop as a center of world tourism and leisure.  Thus, the introduction of brand new tourism products is the key to success.  As cultural heritage is a precious resource for Macao, the SAR Government will take advantage of its excellent cultural heritage to develop tourism, so the general public benefit.  Since Ka Ho Our Lady has left a number of Portuguese-style village huts, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM) is implementing ongoing restoration and conservation works.  A site visit will be specially arranged for the committee members after meeting.  Their opinions will be listened afterward.

    The representatives of Macao Tourism Government Office (MGTO) and ICM presented the latest situation of tourism development status, as well as the optimization projects of the new “Grand Prix Themed Museum” and the Taipa Houses-Museum, the conservation plan of the Village of Ka Ho Our Lady respectively.  All received members’ enthusiastic response.

    Members who spoke expressed great support of the aforementioned projects.  Some of them indicated that tourism competition between Macao and neighboring cities is increasing, more city highlights must be built up. They believed new leisure and culture tourism infrastructure can attract more high-end visitors coming to Macau for traveling, consuming, extending length of stay, as well as supporting the sustainable development of the tourism industry. Some other members believed that the revamping of the Grand Prix Themed Museum is using Macao’s historical trademark to enhance its attractiveness, especially for family visitors. For which, it is recommended to have more showpieces with memorial and ornamental value for exhibition.

    It was suggested to increase the allocation of resources to build the Grand Prix Themed Museum as a modernized and leading international museums.  Some members emphasized the Macao SAR Government has the duty to make long-term investment in the development of its tourism industry.

    Other members stated that due to the number of large-scale hotels has been established in Macao, the number of hotel rooms has increased tremendously.  As a result, putting pressure on the hotel operators, the industry expected the Government to strengthen the establishment of new tourist highlights and provide better transport support for major tourism attractions.

    Later on, some industry members indicated that they had high expectations for the optimization project of the Taipa Houses-Museum.  It is because they believed the SAR Government has accepted their previous suggestions.  In fact, the project does not only shunt tourists, but better presents Macao as a blending of Chinese and Portuguese culture traits.

    In addition, some members expressed their views and opinions on other issues, such as the international tourism situation, the layout of tourist facilities in Macao, the peripheral support for the heritage conservation, tourism economic benefits, consultation projects and etc.

    After the meeting, members took a visit to the Village of Ka Ho Our Lady. They were very impressed by the preservation and beauty of the place.

    Committee members who expressed opinions in the meeting included Cheung Kin Chung, Luis Lui, Ieong Weng Seng, Yany Kwan Yan Chi, Ieong Chi Wa, Chan Chi Kit, Wong Ian Man and Kan Man Neng.