What's Happening?
The United Nations Tourism organization, in collaboration with the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), recently held the 17th UTM-UN Tourism Training Programme. This event, which took place from October
21-24, focused on leveraging meetings and events as catalysts for local development. The program brought together industry leaders, academics, and practitioners from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss how meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) can drive economic growth and opportunity. Fanny Vong, Rector of UTM, highlighted the importance of these events in strengthening destination branding and fostering public-private partnerships. Christine Brew, UN Tourism’s Programme Officer, emphasized the economic power of the meetings and events industry in contributing to local development and global GDP.
Why It's Important?
The focus on meetings and events as drivers of local development is significant as it highlights a strategic approach to economic diversification. By promoting MICE, regions can enhance their global appeal, attract international visitors, and stimulate local economies. This initiative is particularly relevant for areas like Macao, where tourism is a key economic pillar. The program's emphasis on sustainability and youth empowerment aligns with broader global goals of inclusive and sustainable development. The collaboration between UN Tourism and UTM serves as a model for other regions seeking to leverage tourism for economic growth.
What's Next?
As the UTM-UN Tourism Training Programme enters its second decade, it will continue to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the tourism industry. Future editions will focus on fostering cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge exchange, which are essential for addressing shared challenges and promoting inclusive development models. The insights gained from these programs are expected to shape tourism policies and practices that benefit both local destinations and the global community.
