HONG KONG (August 7, 2012) -- With the global tourism marketplace getting more competitive yet interdependent, fluid and digital, a forum has been created to bridge the needs of investors, developers, owners, hoteliers, destinations, brands and tourism officials in the fast changing globalization of the tourism industry, especially in Asia.

The first Global Tourism Economy Forum, one of the most important international tourism events in 2012, is being hosted September 9-11, 2012 by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government and co-organized by China Chamber of Tourism under the auspices of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce. The Forum is an interactive discussion platform designed to capture a macro view of the interplay between tourism and other major economies, and the momentum that each builds upon the growth of the other.

Pansy Ho, vice chairman and secretary general for the Forum, says, "By bridging the economic advantages and resources of the East with the innovation and expertise of the West, the forum aims to spark beneficial partnerships that have the power to shape the industry towards sustainable growth on a global scale."

The Forum will be unveiled under the theme “Growth Driving Growth: Examining the Synergistic Interplay between Tourism and Economic Development.” Over the course of a three day event, a star-studded line-up of global speakers from the World Tourism Organization, World Tourism Council, Visit Britain and countries such as China, Macau, Malaysia, Portugal and Singapore, as well as well-known American tourism professionals and brands, from CBS' Peter Greenberg, Zagat Survey's Tim Zagat to American Express and Marriott Hotels. The five topics covered include:

• Mega Events and Festivals: Are events effective in generating inbound travelers or reinforcing a destination’s footprint in the global scene? Will annual events lose their appeal and liveliness over time? If so, what has been done by destinations to maintain the spark year after year?
• Emerging New Markets: Top management from renowned hotel groups will share how they make their entry decisions and present some interesting case studies in fledgling markets.
• Media and Technology: Have businesses adapted to the fast-changing world and travelers consumption  patterns? Have we reached the pinnacle of these changes, and what are the challenges that lie ahead of us?
• Destination Planning: Masterminds behind some exemplary destinations around the world will join this session and share their beliefs and experience in building their dreams.
• Lifestyle and Entertainment: How did many of the world’s leading destinations evolve into what they are today? What are some of the fundamental factors needed to make this happen? What are the dynamics of these industries and how do they affect travel and tourism business?

High-level Networking Platform    Rich in Opportunity
The world is changing at an astonishing pace. Asia, in particular, has been at the forefront of this transformation and intense growth. One of the characterizing phenomena of the period is a proliferation of tourists driving not only domestic travel, but also global movement of people. With the increased wealth from the East, the travel industry is quickly adjusting and adapting to the new market dynamics, not only to attract visitors to destinations overseas, but also harness investment opportunities from within source markets, such as China.

The Global Tourism Economy Forum will provide a high-level networking platform to bridge the needs between investors and project owners, developers and hoteliers, retail brands and space planners, as well as event organizers and local governments. This unique combination of people and resources are expected to generate immediate and tangible benefits to all those attending this engaging and interactive event.

For international stakeholders keen to establish a presence in Asia, the Forum is a comprehensive window into the large China market. Delegates will also have the opportunity to gain recognition from government authorities and other global tourism trade leaders, facilitating the development of mutually rewarding relationships.

Forum Website:  www.gte-forum.com
Speaker List: www.gte-forum.com/en/programme/speakers/index.html