MACAO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The 5th Macao International Travel Expo opened here Friday, showcasing various tourism resources in the Chinese mainland, Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), as well as 19 countries and regions along the routes of the Belt and Road.
The three-day event, featuring six exhibition zones and activities, covers six key elements of the tourism industry, such as dining, lodging, transportation, entertainment, sightseeing and shopping.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of Macao Government Tourism Office, said at the opening ceremony that the expo is expected to enhance Macao's role as a world center of tourism and leisure, and a platform for business and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
It is also in line with Macao SAR government's goal to participate in the development of the country's Belt and Road Initiative, and the building of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, she added.
This year's expo attracted over 300 exhibitors, including professionals and operators from tourism and other related sectors.
Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road.
