The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, met with the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais, on Thursday (15 October) at the Government Headquarters. Ms Al Nuwais, who has been attending the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026, reviewed with Mr Sam the outcomes of their meeting in Madrid, Spain, in April this year. They exchanged views on further deepening practical cooperation between the two sides.
Mr Sam stated that during his official visit to Europe in April, he had extended a sincere invitation to the Secretary-General to visit Macao and attend the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026. He was delighted to see that the Secretary-General had accepted the invitation and was now in Macao to experience firsthand the city’s unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures.
The Chief Executive pointed out that, guided by the “One country, two systems” principle, the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) has seen rapid development across all sectors, and has continued to achieve positive results, providing strong support for the development of the tourism industry and the promotion of international exchanges and cooperation.
At the same time, Macao has consistently played an active role in activities and work programmes of international organisations. By hosting this year’s Global Tourism Economy Forum, Macao continues to enrich the concept of being a "world centre of tourism and leisure", promoting the sustainable development of the tourism industry, and nurturing a greater number of international-tourism professionals. This will help Macao to expand further its international visitor base and establish the city as an important window for exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilisations.
Mr Sam also pointed out that the Historic Centre of Macao, which is inscribed on the World Heritage List, helps the MSAR Government to expand tourism opportunities and boost the local economy. He emphasised that the development of tourism must not undermine cultural heritage. It is essential to respect history, protect cultural heritage and preserve the city’s distinctive character, so that culture becomes the core asset underpinning the sustainable development of tourism. Promoting community-based tourism can link together cultural development, the training of tourism professionals, and sectors such as retailing and services, thereby building a comprehensive industrial ecosystem and creating more employment opportunities.
Ms Al Nuwais praised Macao for its rich historical and cultural heritage, and its abundant tourism and educational resources, and said she fully recognised the significant value of the Global Tourism Economy Forum as a platform for international tourism cooperation.
She noted that Macao has performed particularly well in areas such as cultural conservation, culinary diversity and tourism services. She suggested that Macao should actively participate in the various major events organised to mark the United Nations’ designation of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. Macao could share its experience in cultural and tourism development with tourism organisations and institutions around the world, whilst also using such an opportunity to expand tourism promotion and further strengthen international exchange and cooperation.
Also present at the meeting were: the Secretary for Economy and Finance and Executive Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), Ms Ng Wai Han; the Chief of Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Chan Kak; the Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the GTEF, Ms Pansy Ho Chiu King; the Rector of the Macao University of Tourism, Ms Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan; the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; and Executive Director of UN Tourism, Mr Liu Shijun.
