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The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) drew to a successful conclusion on Friday, 16th October, in Macao.
The landmark event brought together approximately 1,300 delegates, international dignitaries, and business leaders from more than 20 countries.
At the same time, over 8.6 million viewers tuned in online to witness crucial dialogues surrounding economic resilience, cultural integration, and sustainable travel models.
Across 28 main forum sessions and high-level panel discussions, 75 global leaders addressed strategies for navigating macroeconomic uncertainty.
As such, the event served as a major engine for commercial growth, hosting around 50 bilateral meetings and facilitating over 1,000 business-to-business matchings both online and offline, including more than 90 successful connections during dedicated Spain Business Matching sessions.
The world contemplates preservation-first tourism
A central highlight of the event was the call to redefine sustainable tourism operations.
GTEF vice-chair and secretary-general Pansy Ho emphasised that sustainability is increasingly becoming a core driver of commercial success and youth engagement.
As she put it: “One message today is clear: going green is not a burden, but a scalable opportunity that resonates with young travelers and keeps value within local communities.”
Looking ahead to future editions, Ho exhorted the industry to pivot toward regenerative models:
She said: “Rather than just fixing existing damage, gathering in Hainan invites us to return to our original aspiration, our chuxin, and embrace Green and Blue Tourism. Can we make it a model for trace-free, preservation-first tourism, [one that enhances] nature without destroying its soul, rather than disrupting it only to repair it later?”
Deeper regional synergies and growing Macao’s Tourism+
The Forum likewise underscored Macao’s evolving position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, leveraging its dual role connecting mainland China with international markets.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and vice-chair of GTEF, highlighted the platform’s long-term strategic value:
She declared: “Macao not just leverages its unique advantages brought by the support of the Motherland and its connectivity to the world, but also shares its own experiences in attaining urban progress, joining hands with partners from worldwide to navigate new paths towards a more innovative and sustainable horizon for the tourism economy.”
Delegates also explored Macao’s multi-faceted Tourism+ strategy through immersive post-Forum inspection tours.
These included visits to UNESCO World Heritage site The Historic Centre of Macao, cultural exhibitions, and healthcare facilities such as the Macao Union Medical Center and Hengqin Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Experience Hall, illustrating the sector’s integration with wellness and cultural tourism.
GTEF heads to Hainan in 2027
Marking a key strategic expansion, Forum organisers announced Hainan Province as the host for the 13th GTEF in 2027.
MGTO and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen regional cooperation.
The alliance seeks to align the development strategies of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port, fostering resource sharing and cross-border synergy.
Bateer, executive vice-governor of the Hainan Provincial People’s Government, expressed optimism for the joint initiative:
He said:”Hainan looks forward to leveraging Macao’s role as a bridge connecting with the world to deepen cooperation with global partners… and promote collaborative development between Hainan as an International Tourism and Consumption Center and Macao as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
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