Macao, China, 16 July 2014 - Media registration is now open for the 2014 APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao, China that will decide the future of member economies’ joint efforts to boost travel and tourism development and deepen its contribution to economic growth in the Asia-Pacific as demand for international travel increases in the region.

Background: tourism an emerging growth driver

Travel and tourism accounted for 8.5 per cent of total gross domestic product, 8.8 per cent % of employment, and 4.9% of exports last year among APEC economies, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The industry’s contribution to GDP and visitor exports in the region is increasing by over 4.5 per cent annually but considerable room for further growth exists.

Improvements in visa facilitation alone could increase international tourist arrivals by up to 60 million and add up to USD90 billion to GDP and 2.6 million jobs across APEC economies, a joint study by the World Tourism Organization and World Travel & Tourism Council reports.

The strengthening of travel facilitation initiatives, including tourist-friendly airports, advance passenger information and trusted traveller programs, will be high on Tourism Ministers’ agenda. The realization of more effective taxation regimes to ease burdens on tourism and travel services companies and lower consumer costs is another priority area of collaboration.

Where: Macao, China—Macao East Asian Games Dome

When: 13 September 2014

Deadline for online media registration: 11 August

Web registration:

To register online, visit https://www.apec-tourism.gov.mo/, click on “Media Online Registration” under the “Registration” tab and following the instructions. 

Media who have successfully registered will receive a confirmation letter via email before 10 September. If you have not received the confirmation letter by this date, please call (+853) 83961140 / (+853) 83961143 or email tomedia@apec-tourism.gov.mo for enquiries.

Media identification badges will be available for collection at the organizing committee’s Media Center to be set up at Loulan 4001-4103 of the Conference Center of Conrad Macao, Cotai Central. The media center will be open 13 September from 8:00am-10:00pm.

Email registration:

Applicants may download the registration form at this link and submit the completed form together with a photograph and an electronic copy of the personal identification document that meet the requirements specified on the Guidelines for Media Registration via email to media@apec-tourism.gov.mo

Key media events:

Please note, official briefings and door stop interview and photo opportunities may be available in conjunction with the above meetings. Related information will be available at the Media Center. The above program reflects current information and may be modified.

Note on Media Access: 
All media must be accredited before they are allowed access to the meeting venue and facilities. Access to the meeting will be limited to the opening ceremony.

Registration-related questions should be directed to:
Ms. Natércia Gil / Ms. Isabel Bandeira
APEC Macao Organizing Committee
Tel: (+853) 83961140 / 83961143
Fax: (+853) 28718902 / 28574449
Email: media@apec-tourism.gov.mo

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For more:
The World Travel and Tourism Council report on tourism in APEC can be viewed here.
The Impact of Visa Facilitation in APEC Economies report can be viewed at this link.

To view the APEC 2014 calendar of events, including additional ministerial meetings and the 2014 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, click here.

For additional information or to arrange possible interviews, please contact:
David Hendrickson +65 9137 3886 at drh@apec.org
Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at mc@apec.org

Details about APEC’s 2014 priorities and initiatives can be found onwww.apec.org. You can also follow APEC on Twitter and join us onFacebook and LinkedIn.