Tourism chairman calls for unity

For many years economies in the Asia-Pacific region have promoted the opening up and development of regional tourism. Today it is the world's largest airline market and international destination, and the fastest-growing and most attractive potential tourist source.

Of course we have challenges including unbalanced development, and our infrastructure, services and cooperation channels still need further improvement, which require us all to think and work together to build brands.

We will break down the barriers to make the regional tourism market more open. We encourage Chinese tourists to go to other Asia-Pacific regions, and support Chinese companies to invest there.

We will deepen collaboration and build up an effective cooperation mechanism and networks of transportation, information exchange and service. We will take opportunities from various activities to encourage multilateral tourist exchanges, to achieve win-win effects.

We will develop regional tourism brands in major tourist sources and promote them together. We will develop cross-border tourism products, make promotional materials and organize fairs and exhibitions.

We will expand the tourism industry chain by industrial integration. One method would be building multi-national enterprises or industry associations that integrate tourism with other industries.

We will promote smart tourism to provide better experiences for tourists. We will join hands in building smart tourism sites, companies and smart cities, and share the technologies, information and achievements.

We will develop more talented professionals for the future development of the industry. Within the APEC framework, we will cooperate in tourism education, academic exchange and occupational training, and launch programs to train personnel for each other.

Macao special administrative region boasts continuous fast economic growth and local people enjoy happy lives thanks to its unique advantage in geographic position and the government's scientific administration.

Macao has advantageous tourism resources, including well-equipped hospitality infrastructure and an advanced convention and exhibition industry. It has become a renowned international tourism city.

According to the strategic plans of the central government, China National Tourism Administration will continue to support Macao's tourism, in aspects including policies, cooperation with companies, market promotion, tourism product development and regional planning.

We will make efforts to help Macao become a world center of tourism and leisure, to ensure the city's economic prosperity and stability in the long run.

My dear friends, the tourism industry of the Asia-Pacific region is standing at the starting point in a new era.

With an open attitude and cooperative minds, let us join hands to create a bright future for Asia-Pacific tourism and serve the region's socioeconomic development and its people.