Important Facts of the News
- The 17th UTM-UN Tourism Training Programme was held from 21 to 24 October.
- The programme theme was focused on leveraging meetings and events for local development.
- The event was hosted by Macao University of Tourism (UTM) in collaboration with UN Tourism.
- MGM sponsored the four-day training programme.
- Industry leaders, academics, and practitioners from the Asia-Pacific region participated.
- Speakers included representatives from tourism and event organizations in China, Macao, Singapore, and other institutions.
- Nearly 400 participants from 36 UN Tourism member countries have been trained over the last decade.
- The training programme marks over ten years of collaboration between UN Tourism and UTM.
How Meetings and Events Strengthen Local Development
A regional capacity-building initiative brought together tourism and event professionals in Macao to explore how meetings and events can support broader development goals. The 17th edition of the UTM-UN Tourism Training Programme focused on how the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions sector contributes to local economic growth, community engagement, and destination identity.
Insights from Academia and Industry
The training programme highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, public institutions, and the private sector. During the opening session, UTM leadership pointed to the role of meetings and events in expanding destination visibility and creating new workplaces for young people. Macao was presented as an example where events have become part of long-term economic planning and diversification.
Shared Perspectives from Regional Experts
Speakers represented a range of event and tourism bodies, including the China Convention, Exhibition, Event Society and the International Congress and Convention Association. Representatives from government tourism offices and international exhibition groups also discussed opportunities for strengthening cooperation and applying new strategies to enhance local economies.
A Decade of Joint Capacity Building
The training programme marks more than ten years of partnership between UN Tourism and Macao University of Tourism. Over this period, nearly 400 professionals from 36 member countries across Asia-Pacific and Europe have taken part. The initiative remains focused on building skills and sharing knowledge to support more inclusive models of tourism development.
Future editions will continue to bring together voices from across the region to discuss ongoing changes and emerging demands in the tourism and events sectors. The goal is to encourage collaboration that benefits local communities as well as the wider global tourism landscape.