Macao is striving to become a global convention city, in hopes of fostering the diversification of its economy, said the director of Macao's Tourism Office on Sunday.

Joao Manuel Costa Antunes made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Global Tourism Economy Forum Macao 2012, which started on Sept 9 in the city's landmark building, the Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Center.

Under the theme "Growth driving growth: The synergistic interplay of tourism and economic development", the forum - the first of its kind - will explore how five topics, including mega events and festivals, emerging new markets, media and technology, can effectively boost the tourism industry and bring benefits to the entire sphere of the tourism economy during its three-day program.

Antunes said the event is very important to Macao.

"It showcases Macao's capabilities in hosting international conferences and makes Macao recognizable as an ideal convention destination. It helps to elevate our city from Asia's tourism center to the level of a world convention city," he said.

Established by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region together with major public and private stakeholders, the forum attracted more than 600 delegates from more than 20 countries and cities from all over the world as well as top-notch government officials.

Antunes said that there are about 200 local and international members of the press covering the forum and that they will help to promote the reputation and elevate the image of Macao worldwide.

Macao's efforts to host global events dovetails into China's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), where Macao is positioned as a global center of tourism and leisure.

Chui Sai-on, chief executive of Macao SAR, said that the city is looking forward to benefit from the forum participants' valuable opinions and suggestions, which will widen the vision for the development of Macao's tourism industry and economy.

"Hosting international events will help Macao raise its international status and reputation as a destination," said Pansy Ho, chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Research Center, the organization coordinating the forum.

"The forum is a golden opportunity for Macao to reinforce its reputation as a global tourism and leisure center. It enhances its competitiveness and also showcases the city's abundant tourism resources and attractions to the world," Ho said.

The annual forum is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, and co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

In the first three years, the forum will be held in Macao before it heads over to other cities, though the next city has not yet been announced.