The Macao University of Tourism is again co-hosting the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA), with the three-day event, which ends today at the Galaxy International Convention Centre (GICC) in Cotai, attracting over 200 delegates from 26 countries and regions.
The conference was last hosted in Macau in 2010. A statement provided after yesterday’s opening ceremony at GICC, which had APTA Chairman Prof. Yeong-Hyeon Hwang among the officiating guests, noted that the conference is “a crucial platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing the latest trends, and fostering international cooperation in tourism and hospitality”.
Discussions on critical issues that the industry is facing are being held at this year’s conference, tackling topics such as destination management, consumer behaviour, and tourism and hospitality education.
In her speech, UTM Rector Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan said: “This conference holds special significance, as it marks the first major international conference that we have hosted since UTM’s recent renaming”.
Vong added: “The partnership between UTM and APTA underscores the strategic importance of education and research in advancing the tourism and hospitality sectors. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Macao’s “1+4” economic diversification strategy, which aims to enrich Macau’s function as a “One Centre” for integrated tourism and leisure, while facilitating the development of four nascent industries, namely: big health; modern financial services; high and new technology; and convention and exhibition, sports, and the commercial and trade industries”.
UTM Rector Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan delivers a speech at yesterday’s opening ceremony at Galaxy International Convention Centre (GICC) in Cotai. The opening ceremony was held on the event’s second day. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
