SETA is Back with Professional Host and MC Able Wanamakok

SETA is Back with Professional Host and MC Able Wanamakok

Phuket (Thailand) – February 2, 2018 (travelindex.com) – On March 21-23rd, the 3rd annual Sustainable Energy Technology Asia or SETA 2018 will be held again at BITEC Bangna hosted by International TV presenter and MC Able Wanamakok.

The grand opening ceremony – presided by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand ACM Dr. Prajin Juntong as the chair, and keynote opening session in “Towards consolidate-Digital to Thailand Energy 4.0” by Dr.Pichet Durongkaverote, the minister of Digital Economy and Society, Thailand.

SETA’s 3rd edition moves forward to the theme “Towards Consolidated Innovation Energy Technology” with an Experience the world DiGi-Energy Trade Expo and the highlight “Smart Urbanization Simulation” all under one roof!

Join and showcase with us the energy storage, energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy and smart cities best practices and many more at SETA 2018, Bangkok.

To learn more about this event, visit www.seta.asia. To learn more about the Host of the event, visit www.FindYourVoice.Asia.

With over a decade’s experience, Hong Kong-born, US raised Able Wanamakok is a media talent with the ability to work across a wide range of platforms, including TV Hosting, news presenting, Mc’ing for any type of functions, script-writing, voice-over work and movies. She has recently launched her branch off from hosting into the life-coaching sector with FindYourVoice.Asia.

Contact her for your next event/video project, production or show in Asia at email: Able.FashionOne@gmail.com.

Xn protel Achieves Oracle Validated Integration with Oracle OPERA

Xn protel Achieves Oracle Validated Integration with Oracle OPERA

Derby (United Kingdom) – January 30, 2018 (travelindex) – Xn protel Systems, Global hospitality management software company, and a Gold Partner level member of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN), today announced it has achieved Oracle Validated Integration of xnPOS 3.10 with Oracle Hospitality OPERA 5.5. The new two-way interface connectivity and messaging means guest and billing information is communicated between the property management system and the restaurant’s ePOS. This simplifies operational control and decision making, which saves time.

To achieve Oracle Validated Integration, Oracle partners are required to meet a stringent set of requirements that are based on the needs and priorities of the customers. This new integration, which replaces the previous generation used, will allow the powerful features of xnPOS to align with Oracle Hospitality OPERA. The integration with Oracle Hospitality OPERA supports a wide range of essential features, including Credit Limit Check, Nationality, Rate Code, Key Card Inquiry and more.

Emmanuel Clavé, Group Product Director, Point of Sale and Mobile Apps, Xn protel Systems said, “We are delighted to have successfully completed the Oracle Validated Integration for xnPOS. This highlights our ‘Open Systems’ strategy that helps to deliver choice and flexibility to all our customers. With this new two-way interface, independent hotels and groups using Oracle Hospitality OPERA can fully utilize the rich features and functionality provided by xnPOS.”

“Achieving Oracle Validated Integration gives our customers confidence that the integration between xnPOS and Oracle Hospitality OPERA 5.5 is functionally sound and performs as tested,” said David Hicks, vice president, Worldwide ISV, OEM and Java Business Development, Oracle. “For solutions deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or both, Oracle Validated Integration applies a rigorous technical review and test process that helps to reduce deployment risk and improves the user experience of the partner’s integrated offering.”

Xn protel Systems is a global hospitality management software company specializing in food and beverage point of sale systems. xnPOS is an easy to use, highly customizable, fully internationalized hospitality ePOS software solution for bars, restaurants, groups and independents, within the hotel and food service industries. It is a centrally managed, full-service, cloud-hosted PoS-solution with enterprise-wide scalability. xnPOS enables single and multi-site hotels and food service outlets to reduce operational complexity and provide a faster, more efficient service.

About Xn protel Systems
Xn protel Systems is a global hospitality management software company specializing in Property Management, Central Reservations, Point of Sale and Activity Management solutions. Our business-critical, highly functional, cloud-native and open systems provide the latest technology and flexibility. They help world-class hospitality companies in over 50 countries to optimize revenue generation, simplify service operations and enhance the quality of guest communications.

We are committed to:
– Creating open systems. Working closely with our customers and partners we adopt industry standard protocols to break down traditional integration barriers. Creating truly open, flexible solutions that support guests’ growing appetite to be more in control of their stay.

– Developing cloud-native products. Our newest technologies are born in the cloud. That means our customers benefit from the latest innovations, can take full advantage of mobile and achieve a lower cost of ownership.

– Being easy to do business with. We understand the frustration that comes with unresponsive and inflexible suppliers. We’re not like that. And we don’t take our customers for granted. A customer-centric approach is in our DNA, from preparing quotations through to resolving support calls.

Our next generation, global solutions are backed by outstanding customer service and support. Our dedicated team of highly experienced hotel, hospitality and technology experts work hard to understand customers’ needs and the issues they face. Located across our extensive network of offices, our specialists provide the best advice, solutions and support to make sure customers meet the needs of local markets and achieve their business goals.

The Company was formed in the UK in 2002, as Xn Hotel Systems. It was then renamed in 2015 as Xn protel Systems when protel hotel software became a shareholder.

About Oracle PartnerNetwork
Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) is Oracle’s partner program that provides partners with a differentiated advantage to develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions. OPN offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of Oracle’s products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracle’s growing product portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is the ability for partners to be recognized and rewarded for their investment in Oracle Cloud. Partners engaging with Oracle will be able to differentiate their Oracle Cloud expertise and success with customers through the OPN Cloud program – an innovative program that complements existing OPN program levels with tiers of recognition and progressive benefits for partners working with Oracle Cloud.

About Oracle Validated Integration
Oracle Validated Integration, available through the Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN), gives customers confidence that the integration of a complementary partner software product with an Oracle “on-premises” Application has been validated and the products work together as designed. This can help customers reduce risk, improve system implementation cycles, and provide for smoother upgrades and simpler maintenance. Oracle Validated Integration applies a rigorous technical process to review partner integrations and partners who successfully complete the program are authorized to use the “Oracle Validated Integration” logo. For more information, please visit Oracle.com at

Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Xn protel media contact:
Terry Osborne
Head of Marketing
Terry.osborne@xnprotel.com
+44 (0) 7788 280434
www.xnprotel.com

Khon Kaen to Host PATA Destination Forum, Promoted by TCEB

Khon Kaen to Host PATA Destination Forum, Promoted by TCEB

Khon Kaen (Thailand) – January 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Development and Innovation of TCEB joined hand with Khon Kaen province, The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held the press conference to announce “PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2018” to be held in Khon Kaen, Thailand from 28-30 November 2018.

The event contributes to implementing the government’s policy of stimulating and developing the regional economy. Khon Kaen is one of Thailand’s leading MICE cities, with strong potential and readiness to host international conventions to world-class standards. This event offers an important platform for all MICE stakeholders, including private sector companies, MICE operators and tourism businesses across the Asia-Pacific region. In particular the event will maximize benefits to Thai participants both from Khon Kaen itself, and from secondary MICE cities around the country.

The event will contribute greatly to raising visibility and awareness of Khon Kaen and other regional MICE cities as international MICE destinations which helps to generate sustainable economic development in the regional economy.

For further information, please contact:
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)
Corporate Communications Department
Ms. Kwanchanok Otton
Tel: + 662 694 6096
Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th

Mr. Issara Rotchanakuson
Tel: + 662 694 6181
Email: issara_r@tceb.or.th

a publicist
Tel: 0 2101 6860
Ms.Arpaporn (A)
Tel: 089 788 4868
Ms.Thittaya (Jang)
Tel: 094 323 5641
Sorasak (Earth)
Tel:089 406 5544

The Perfect Koh Samui Island Getaway now with Avani

The Perfect Koh Samui Island Getaway now with Avani

Koh Samui (Thailand) – January 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – From February 2018, Sunset Coast Samui will be managed by Avani Hotels & Resorts. Set within Pang Kha Bay overlooking the sea and Five Islands, the tranquil location will appeal to holidaymakers in search of lesser known destinations. The resort is only a 40 minute drive from Samui International Airport, which is well connected with numerous daily flights from Bangkok and other Thai cities, along with direct flights from around Asia.

Every room and villa at Sunset Coast Samui is beautifully decorated and well-appointed with every amenity a guest would need for a comfortable stay, from spacious terraces and balconies, complimentary high speed internet to indulgent rain showers.

Book your hotel in Koh Samui Thailand and around the world in over 100 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

The secluded location will make the resort an attractive option for families and couples looking for meaningful and shared experiences with easy access to many coastal attractions, such as the nearby Five Islands, Ang Thong National Marine Park, the coral reefs of Koh Taen Island and the uncrowded pleasure of snorkelling in Koh Madsum.

Very Special Rate at Renaissance Koh Samui for Your Next Beach Holiday

Very Special Rate at Renaissance Koh Samui for Your Next Beach Holiday

Koh Samui (Thailand) – January 26, 2018 (travelindex) – – Looking for a beach escape from the hustles and bustles of the city or a rewarding trip for the little ones during summer holiday? Make Koh Samui yours next holiday destination! Introducing a very special offer of 2018 for Thai Residents at Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa. Rate starts from THB 4,500 net, inclusive of breakfast for 2.

Imagine spending your days idling around our pool, just steps away from the private beach. Enjoy a cocktail (or two) before indulging in a blissful aromatic massage by the skillful therapist at Quan Spa. End the day by a romantic Thai dinner, overlooking the majestic Lamai bay at Banana Leaf, Tapas Bar or TawaNN. Can life get any better than this?

The “Thai Resident” promotion is valid from now to 28 February 2018. Book this package directly to hotel reservation at kanittha.k@renaissancehotels.com or via telephone at 077 429 300.

For more great offers, please visit our website at or follow our social media channels for exciting updates at www.facebook.com/RenaissanceKohSamui, www.instagram.com/rensamui

About Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa:
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa is nestled among lush gardens and only steps from the beach; the hotel sets the ideal stage for a tranquil getaway. The hotel boost 43 deluxe spacious and sophisticated rooms featuring tasteful decor and luxury amenities, while the villas provide access to private pool, along with mesmerizing views of the Koh Samui coastline. The hotel is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at Quan Spa, the5 well-known F&B dining outlets, 3 versatile meeting venues offering a total of 1,929 square feet of meeting and banquet space and 3 elegant wedding venues.

About Marriott International:
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is the wRenaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa is nestled among lush gardens and only steps from the beach; the hotel sets the ideal stage for a tranquil getaway. The hotel boost 43 deluxe spacious and sophisticated rooms featuring tasteful decor and luxury amenities, while the villas provide access to private pool, along with mesmerizing views of the Koh Samui coastline. The hotel is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at Quan Spa, the5 well-known F&B dining outlets, 3 versatile meeting venues offering a total of 1,929 square feet of meeting and banquet space and 3 elegant wedding venues.orld’s largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with nearly 6,000 properties in 120 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts. The company’s 30 leading brands include: Bulgari®, The Ritz-Carlton® and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Delta Hotels by MarriottSM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Design Hotels™, Gaylord Hotels®, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, Element®, Moxy® Hotels, and Protea Hotels by Marriott®. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com.

Contact information:
Duangkamon Sasirot
PR & MarCom Executive
Tel: 02-656-7700 ext. 4368
duangkamon.s@marriott.com

Shanzhong Zhu Appointed UNWTO Executive Director

Shanzhong Zhu Appointed UNWTO Executive Director

Madrid (Spain) – January 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili appointed Mr. Shanzhong Zhu as Executive Director of UNWTO. Mr. Zhu, a Chinese national, began his two-year term on 1 January 2018.

Mr. Zhu joined UNWTO in 2014 as Executive Director. Prior to his appointment he was Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

Contacts:
UNWTO Media Officer Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 / mrisi@unwto.org
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 / comm@UNWTO.org

Unique Journey Through Northern Italian Cuisine at Shangri-la Chiang Mai

Unique Journey Through Northern Italian Cuisine at Shangri-la Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (Thailand) – January 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Indulge in a unique culinary journey by savoring northern Italian flavors, skillfully blended by Michelin star-rated chef Marco Stabile, from Ora Daria restaurant, in Florence, Italy. Don’t miss this one-of-its-kind opportunity at Shangri-la Hotel Chiang Mai, to enjoy the most genuine Italian cuisine, through mouthwatering 4-course and 6-course menus with selected paired wines.

31 January – 4 February 2018
Lunch: 11 am – 2.30 pm
THB 1,588++ per person
Dinner: 6pm – 10 pm
THB 2,488++ per person (includes a selection of Italian wines)
Where: Shangri-la Chiang Mai Hotel, Dhala Pool Garden, Level 1

Advance reservation required, limited seating available.

For further enquiries and booking:
Call: +66 53 253 888
Email: restaurants.slcm@shangri-la.com
Web: www.shangri-la.com/chiangmai/shangrila/

About Michelin Starred Chef Marco Stabile
Hailing from Pontedera, in Tuscany, chef Marco Stabile has quickly risen to prominence in Italy. He developed his skill for subtle invention whilst working in some of the country’s finest kitchens. Along with his restaurant Ora d’Aria, in Florence—where he is both resident head chef and co-owner—Marco is also an occasional teacher at some of the Italy’s most celebrated culinary schools. He also remains a committed supporter and collaborator with the prestigious ‘Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe’ group (Young Restaurateurs of Europe).

After helping his mother make pasta and traditional Tuscan recipes, Marco Stabile managed to get a job working with Guido Sabatini at Florence’s Club Bell’Arturo, where he learnt how to be organized, and then working with Gaetano Trovoto at the two Michelin-starred Alforno, where he developed his unique styles. Marco Stabile is currently the head chef and owner of the simple and elegant restaurant “Ora d’Aria” (www.oradariaristorante.com) located in Via dei Georgofili (Florence), where he was finally given the chance to best express his personality, his strong, curious, cosmopolitan and innovative spirit, nevertheless deeply rooted in a tradition which is culture, family, territory and which has the courage to reveal itself in the magic of those flavors that recall childhood but filled with an extraordinary sense of the present.

His most challenging task was to win the supports of the locals, who were incredibly proud of their Tuscan culinary traditions. But when started to eat at his restaurant, they were instantly converted. Marco’s cooking takes authentic flavours from his home region and twists them into innovative new combinations. Many of Marco’s dishes are incredibly innovative, combining new flavours, making the most of ground-breaking cooking techniques and presenting traditional food in exciting new ways. Moreover, Marco attempts to make the most of Tuscany’s natural produce. He uses local beef and Tuscan bread, takes traditional regional ingredients and present them in a bright, contemporary way. Despite his awards, Marco keeps the prices at Ora d’Aria as low as possible, so as many people as possible can taste his beautiful cuisine.

“Ora d’Aria” fulfills a great desire, the entry into the prestigious association “Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE), an association which helps young chefs with their careers across the continent, in 2009. Since then, there have been so many awards that the chef is able to boast that it is Marco Stabile’s curiosity and ability to see into the future and predict trends which is commended; an example is his approach to the world of beer that has given him the chance to deal with a versatile product, with many identities, investigating an innovative perspective in the kitchen. This commitment has led to the restaurant “Ora D’Aria” being rewarded for its beer menu, by the Espresso Restaurant Guide, and the for best cuisine with beer from Identity Golose. At the end of 2011 comes the highest accolade of all: the first Michelin star.

Furthermore, Giusto Manetti Battiloro, the historic Florentine company producing edible gold with flavor, “Gold Chef”, an exclusive ingredient for the most modern and refined kitchen, has chosen him for his professional qualities and for his success story. Indeed Marco Stabile brings innovation and imagination, coupled with tradition, to the table. This is the chef who makes edible gold with its flavors shine brightly.

To Retain Edge Hospitality Stakeholders Must Work Together

To Retain Edge Hospitality Stakeholders Must Work Together

Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) – January 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The complex relationship between hotel owners, operators and online travel agents (OTAs) is keeping prices higher than necessary and could threaten to undermine the Middle East’s hospitality sector at a time when the supply of rooms is set to reach an all-time high. How the hotel sector can find the right balance for investors, operators, marketers and guests will be among the key talking points at the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit (GIOHIS) 2018 (29-30 January).

As the Middle East looks to absorb the largest pipeline of new rooms in the world, the challenge of attracting tourists to fill them is set to intensify over the coming years. However, the presence of many stakeholders involved in the region’s hotel sector, each of whom takes a piece of the action, is making room costs unnecessarily high, with limited room for improving value to customers.

Simon Allison, chairman of hotel owners’ group HOFTEL which runs GIOHIS, says: “International competition for tourists is higher than ever, so it is essential that Middle East hotels are able to compete on prices or everybody will lose out. This is a particular concern as more supply comes to the market, so we look forward to discussing potential solutions during GIOHIS.”

In the Middle East, the vast majority of hotels carry an international brand. Most guests either book via that brand’s website or, increasingly, they use an OTA which enables them to compare hotel deals and make their booking quickly and easily.

Guests have undoubtedly benefitted from the visibility and options presented by booking through OTAs and from the loyalty programmes of the big brands, but as a small number of companies now dominate these two sectors the opportunities for improving value are diminishing at both ends of the market – for investors and customers.

Allison explains: “The OTAs don’t own any hotel rooms and most of the brands you see on the building don’t either. However, the OTAs take hefty fees for each room booking and the brands take a slice of revenue and another slice of profit from the hotel owner.

“This increases the relative costs of rooms for customers and yet the owner’s margins are also small, meaning they can’t cut prices. There are only two main OTA companies in the world and only a handful of global brands, so they have the concentration of power.”

At GIOHIS 2018, industry experts will discuss the future of the Middle East hospitality sector, and the potential for creating the best outcomes for all stakeholders. At a session entitled, ‘Coping with downturns and disruptors – do the brands have the answers?’ panellists will debate whether brands can really manage to raise revenues or cut costs for owners in a downturn. In what is set to be a high-octane session, Olivier Chavy, CEO of regional giant Mövenpick, and outspoken hotel owner Suchad Chiaranussati, one of the most active real estate fund managers in Asia, will be joined by senior executives from both Booking.com and Expedia to discuss solutions which meet the interest of all parties.

GIOHIS 2018 will take place on 29/30 January 2018 at the Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:

For more information or to arrange media interviews, please contact Thompson.tracey04@gmail.com or call: 055 378 2297.

The World of Moroccan Cuisine at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

The World of Moroccan Cuisine at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 24, 2018 (travelindex) – Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, 25 years of the pride, together with Chef Vittario Masterchef of Da Vinci Restaurant, are delighted to invite all food lovers to experience the precious world of Moroccan culinary in “Couscous Friday” started on19 January 2018.

The Moroccan cuisine is an unique and precious essence of Morocco, the country where the rich cultures from many empires combined their magic as bringing it an exotic sense of culinary; Arabian exotic spices, European excellent livestocks, Mediteranean fresh fruits and vegetables and the best Couscous that the world impressed.

Experience new marvelously rich cultures as Chef Vittario, the master chef of Da Vinci Restaurant, has his proud Moroccan roots and is thrilled to charm you with his special Moroccan delicacy and special Couscous recipes.

Starting on 19 January 2018, please be invited to experience Morrocan “Couscous
Friday”, every Friday from 5pm – 10.30pm. All you can eat “Couscous” at only 850
Baht person. RSVP 02 261 7100 or restaurants@rembrandtbkk.com and visit our website www.rembrandtbkk.com

About The Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok
The Rembrandt Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Bangkok off Sukhumvit Road. Guests may access our hotel either from Sukhumvit Soi 18 or Sukhumvit Soi 20 as our property extends the length of the block. We offer luxury, outstanding services, and facilities for all travellers to Bangkok, Thailand. The property is conveniently located near the central business district as well as shopping attractions, city landmarks and vibrant nightlife. Our guests also have the benefit of all major public transportation stations in Bangkok as both skytrain (BTS Asoke Station)and metro (MRT Sukhumvit Station) are just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel or guests may ride on a complimentary 24-hour ‘tuk tuk’ shuttle service to the main road. This quality hotel is a great location for both tourists and business travellers, who will find easy access to Sukhumvit and the Bangkok CBD.

Contact information:
Paemika Mungclasiri (Ms.) – Marketing Communications Manager
Phone +66 (0) 2261 7100 Ext. 7443 E-mail: pr@rembrandtbkk.com
Sirorat Jaroontham (Ms.) – Marketing Communications Executive
Phone +66 (0) 2261 7100 Ext. 7444 E-mail: pr@rembrandtbkk.com

GTEF Helps Achieve Objectives of 2018 EU-China Tourism Year

GTEF Helps Achieve Objectives of 2018 EU-China Tourism Year

Macao – January 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The seventh edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) is set to be held in Macao on October 23 and 24. GTEF 2018 will present two of the most vibrant economic regions of the world, namely the European Union (EU) and The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (The Greater Bay Area).

In July 2016, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker jointly announced that 2018 would be EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY 2018), with the specific objectives of promoting lesser-known destinations, improving travel and tourism experiences, providing opportunities to increase economic cooperation, and creating an incentive to make quick progress on EU-China visa facilitation and air connectivity.

ECTY 2018 was officially launched at the Doge’s Palace in Venice on January 19, followed by a high-level Business Summit held in the afternoon. At the Opening Ceremony, congratulatory messages from Premier Li and Mr. Juncker were read. International dignitaries at the Opening Ceremony included Mr. Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament; Mr. Qi Xuchun, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Ms. Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs; and Mr. Du Jiang, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). Among the global tourism industry leaders and experts who attended the Opening Ceremony and participated in the Business Summit were Ms. Pansy Ho, Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Liu Shijun, Secretary-General of World Tourism Alliance and Mr. Dai Bin, Chair of the China Tourism Academy.

Explaining to EU-China tourism stakeholders why GTEF is a unique platform to achieve the objectives of the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year, Ms. Ho said, “GTEF… the first public-private-partnership initiative in China to champion the promotion of sustainable development of global tourism, with China, a significant stakeholder, as the core.

As the first forum to discuss global tourism economy in the context of China’s far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative, GTEF pioneers topics at the top of the public-private agenda, focusing on creating opportunities for tourism promotion, cooperation and investment. With the intuitive ability to perceive the importance of Europe-China relations, GTEF is ahead of the game, and has been promoting Europe-China tourism from the start, featuring: Portugal and Spain in 2013, France in 2016, and the 16 Central and Eastern European Countries in 2017.”

Introducing Macao and the critical role she plays in global tourism, Ms. Ho added, “Macao is chosen as the seat of GTEF because, with over 450 years of east-west cultural mix, Macao has openness and inclusiveness in its DNA. Macao is the proud first-generation contributor and recipient of China’s outbound tourism. Since its return to Chinese sovereignty, Macao has grown its tourism arrivals from 6 million to over 30 million, with a population of 600,000 on 32 square kilometers of land area.

Macao is also the designated World Centre of Tourism and Leisure in the mega metropolis of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, which measures 56,000 square kilometers, with a GDP of US$1.39 trillion, and a population of 68 million. With the completion of the 55-kilometre Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge this year, the potential for trade, investment and tourism within the Greater Bay Area, and between China and the rest of the world, is unprecedented and magnificent.”

GTEF 2018 will use its pragmatic tourism exchange platform to drive discussions on strengthening EU-China commercial and cultural exchanges and unleashing the full potential of the Greater Bay Area. At the same time, the Forum will provide opportunities to build EU-China cooperation and partnership through bilateral trade meetings, business matching, networking, workshops, exhibitions, and other initiatives.

About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), and coordinated by GTERC in collaboration with UNWTO. GTEF’s supporting units include the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), European Travel Commission (ETC) and Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 8,000 participants from 83 countries and regions, including delegations from 105 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 437 internationally renowned speakers.

For enquiries, please contact:
Mazarine Asia Pacific
Karis Yuen
Communications Associate
Tel: +852 3678 0177/ +852 6447 7120