Indeed, a strategy to integrate the city further. The government plans to develop Macao as a training hub. It will be a testing ground for tourism education. This is all part of integrating the city into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We are standing before the Tourism Education and Training Base for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
This base isn’t just a building. It is a forward-thinking initiative designed to elevate tourism. It aims to cultivate expertise within the Greater Bay Area. Think of it as a central hub. Here, professionals gain cutting-edge skills. They learn innovative strategies. These are essential for navigating today’s dynamic tourism landscape.
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area itself is a powerhouse. It comprises key hubs like Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Also included are Macao and Shenzhen. The municipalities of Dongguan, Foshan and Huizhou are as well. Then there are Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Zhongshan and Zhuhai. At the end of 2019, the area covered 56000 square kilometers. It held a population of over 72 million. Its combined GDP was huge. It reached USD 1679.5 billion.
Back to our focus, the Tourism Education and Training Base. Macao institutions offering tourism studies reserve places. These are for students from across the Greater Bay Area. This supports tourism development across all locations. The Chief Executive, Mr. Chui Sai On, spoke of Macao’s capacity. He highlighted providing quality training for tourism professionals. Macao offers world-class tourism facilities. These include leisure, entertainment, hotel and retail services.
Macao’s role extends beyond training. It is becoming a major component city. This helps the city develop people-to-people exchanges with the mainland. It provides further development opportunities for local young people. It fosters the development of specialized financial services. Macao is hosting high-level forums. These events promote awareness and participation regarding the national initiative. It ensures sustainability and further economic diversification.
Consider Macao as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform. It sits between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. This contributes to the “Belt and Road” initiative. The government established a working committee. This coordinates the city’s participation in this national initiative. The objectives include formulating a master plan. It links the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan. It also connects with Macao’s first Five-Year Development Plan.
The Tourism Professional Education Alliance of Greater Bay Area is important too. It signifies a collaborative spirit. It involves multiple institutions. All are committed to advancing tourism education. The Tourism Education and Training Base is a vital element. It is for developing Macao into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
This base strengthens Macao’s position. It becomes a vital training hub. It drives tourism expertise. It ensures sustainable growth.