Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao strengthens international tourism cooperation - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) concluded in Macao with a strong emphasis on international cooperation, tourism resilience and sustainable development. The event brought together approximately 1,300 government representatives, tourism executives, international organisations, researchers and media professionals from more than 20 countries and regions. According to the organisers, its online broadcasts attracted more than 8.6 million views.

The forum examined how destinations and tourism businesses can respond to economic uncertainty while strengthening international visitor markets. Discussions focused on inbound tourism, the integration of cultural experiences into travel products, environmental sustainability and the economic opportunities arising from closer cooperation between destinations. Macao's role as a tourism and meetings hub provided the setting for exchanges between Asian and international industry representatives.

Beyond the conference programme, the event placed considerable emphasis on business development. Around 50 bilateral meetings addressed tourism, civil aviation, investment promotion and international cooperation. Business matchmaking activities involved more than 600 participants on site and generated over 1,000 business connections through online and face-to-face formats. Spain, the forum's partner country, featured prominently in these activities, with more than 90 successful matchmaking connections reported during dedicated Spanish business sessions.

Sustainability and business cooperation take centre stage

The programme comprised 28 principal sessions, high-level dialogues and panel discussions, with 75 speakers, moderators and official guests contributing to the debates. One recurring question was how tourism destinations can increase their economic resilience without placing additional pressure on local communities and natural resources.

Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, emphasised the commercial and social potential of sustainable tourism.

"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," she said.

The discussions also highlighted the growing importance of cultural tourism and the development of experiences that connect visitors more closely with local heritage. For destinations seeking to diversify their international markets, these approaches offer opportunities to develop tourism products beyond traditional sightseeing.

Spain's participation provided an additional European dimension. Miguel Sanz Castedo, Director General of Turespaña and President of the European Travel Commission, attended as a representative of the partner country. The dedicated business meetings created opportunities for Spanish tourism companies and international partners to explore potential cooperation.

Hainan to host the 2027 edition

One of the principal announcements was the selection of China's Hainan Province as the host of the 13th Global Tourism Economy Forum in 2027.

The Macao Government Tourism Office and Hainan's Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in tourism and related sectors. The agreement envisages closer coordination in resource sharing, business development and tourism industry partnerships.

Hainan's representatives expressed particular interest in developing international visitor exchanges and cultural tourism innovation. The province's ambitions as an international tourism and consumption centre are expected to feature prominently in preparations for the next edition.

The move also reflects closer cooperation between Macao, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hainan, with tourism development increasingly linked to broader regional economic strategies.

Macao presents cultural and health tourism experiences

Alongside the conference sessions, participants were invited to explore tourism products illustrating Macao's efforts to diversify its visitor economy.

Programmes included visits to the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Macao and a cultural exhibition featuring contributions from 22 Chinese institutions. Other itineraries introduced delegates to healthcare and traditional Chinese medicine facilities in Macao and neighbouring Hengqin, as well as the Zhuhai Chimelong International Ocean Resort.

These visits demonstrated how cultural heritage, healthcare services and leisure attractions can be incorporated into broader tourism offerings. They also provided examples of cooperation between destinations seeking to attract different visitor segments and encourage longer stays.

For the international travel industry, the forum's significance extended beyond its conference discussions. The volume of business meetings and matchmaking activities illustrated the importance of direct commercial exchanges in developing new tourism partnerships.

With the next edition moving to Hainan, the Global Tourism Economy Forum will continue to connect tourism policymakers and businesses while placing sustainability, destination diversification and international cooperation at the centre of its agenda.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration using material courtesy of The Global Tourism Economy Forum