The IFTM Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training organised a training programme on “Sustainable Tourism Planning and Regional Development”, held from 27 November to 4 December. The course was staged in Macao in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The programme included a total of 17 participants, some of them coming from as far away as Europe. Countries sending officials to the training course included Albania, Greece, Hungary, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Macedonia, and Romania – the majority being states that are covered by the Belt and Road Initiative. The programme was additionally attended by representatives – including officials and scholars – from China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, namely from Macao and Guangdong Province.

The 8-day training course on “Capacity Building for Sustainable Tourism Planning and Regional Development” addressed topics such as tourism policy, development and management of cultural heritage resources, and how to manage successfully development of a destination. It also included a panel on “The Greater Bay Area and opportunities for collaborative tourism development”.

The programme featured a mix of lectures, presentations and site visits of a technical nature, under the supervision of scholars from IFTM and invited local and international experts. Course participants also attended a tour and presentation at the MGM Cotai integrated resort. It focused on the environmental sustainability programme and corporate social responsibility practices in place at the property.

The training programme was the eighth of its kind to be co-organised by the IFTM Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training and UNWTO. Since the inception of the Centre, approximately 170 participants from 28 countries and regions have taken part in such courses.

The Centre was set up in 2016 following a memorandum of understanding signed between the Macao SAR Government and UNWTO. The agreement covered topics including the enhancement of human capital for the tourism industry and the promotion of sustainable tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Centre is part of IFTM’s efforts to strengthen its position as an international hub for tourism education and training. It provides training and education courses in cooperation with UNWTO and other parties, to help participating tourism officials and professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Since 2016, the Centre has hosted more than 30 programmes. Around 350 participants from 28 countries and regions have been involved in such training.