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 Centre at 10am.

    The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) presented the latest tourism development status. Major tourism figures raised year on year.     

    Later on, AECOM, the consulting firm of “Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan", briefed the CDT members on the overall progress of the Master plan. AECOM proposed that in order to achieve the goal of transforming Macao to become the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, the Master Plan covered multiple tourism issues and with eight key objectives and a number of targeted strategies and long-term action plans leading the way. In addition, the Master Plan played a role in balancing social and economic benefits to ensure sustainable tourism. Afterwards, CDT Members put a number of considerable suggestions forward; topics included using MICE industry to drive various industries, per capita consumption enhancement, legislation amendment, port facilities optimization, lodging service diversification, marine tourism promotion and tourism products optimization, etc.

    Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng addressed that the SAR Government has been working to diversify tourism and strengthen the overseas visitor market through regular promotional campaigns. He believed that upon completion of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and new hotels during the second half of 2017, Macao tourism would usher in better development.

    In the meeting, Chan Chi Kit, convener of the “Human Resource Sub Task Force”; Wu Keng Kuong, convener of the “Tourism Market Management Sub Task Force”; Chow Kam Fai David, convener of the “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure Research Sub Task Force” and Chan Chak Mo, the convener of the “Transport, Infrastructure and Aviation Sub Task Force” presented respectively and gave comments and recommendations.

    The “Human Resource Sub Task Force” thought the current human resources issues obstructed the development of various industry and the high-end diversified economic development in the long run, which were worthy of attention. The “Tourism Market Management Sub Task Force” provided supplementary advices to MGTO on the “Macao Awareness Campaign” and “Community Tourism Development”, such as inviting well-known artists and bloggers to introduce Macau, SMS notifications via telecommunications companies and promotions via WeChat, etc. The “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure Research Sub Task Force” expected the SAR Government to formulate a detailed schedule of urban planning, heritage buildings and old districts revitalization, and proposed to fight against illegal taxi operations and make use of 85 square kilometers of waters. Moreover, the Sub Task Force recommended organizing additional tourism activities such as food festival, wine and dining festival and night market to achieve tourism diversification. The “Transport, Infrastructure and Aviation Sub Task Force” concerned the progress of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Wanzai Port status and the environment of the reclamation area around the airport. The Sub Task Force also proposed ways to optimize the customs clearance mode and port economy. On the other hand, the Sub Task Force expected that various government departments should strengthen their co-operation and formulated policies to stimulate SMEs development to achieve sustainable tourism.

    Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng thanked the Sub Task Forces conveners for giving constructive suggestions. He also addressed that CDT members effectively reflected problems of Macao tourism and brainstormed countermeasures that are of high referential value of promoting Macao tourism.

    Committee members who expressed opinions in the meeting included Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes,  Kan Man Neng, Liu Suning, Kwan Yany Yan Chi, Wong Ian Man, Cheung Kin Chung, Liu Hei Wan, Wong Suk Yan, Ieong Chi Wa, Leng Sai Vai, Fong Hio Kin , Chan Chi Kit, Wu Keng Kuong, Chow Kam Fai David and Chan Chak Mo.