(Macao, 30 September 2026) The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao (GTEF), hosted by the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, will be held in Macao from 15 to 17 October 2026. Under the theme, “Crisis • Resilience • Evolution – Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future”, the Forum will bring together government officials, representatives of international organizations, business leaders and experts from around the world to exchange views on opportunities and challenges facing the tourism economy and explore pathways for sustainable development.
The global tourism industry continues to face challenges arising from geopolitical developments, economic uncertainties, climate change and technological transformation. Against this backdrop, tourism plays an important role in fostering economic development, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening people-to-people connectivity. It also contributes to regional cooperation and sustainable development.
According to the latest data released by UN Tourism, international tourism continues to recover steadily, demonstrating the resilience of the tourism sector and its contribution to global economic growth. The designation of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism by the United Nations further highlights the importance of tourism in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.
Established in Macao in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum serves as an international platform dedicated to promoting dialogue and cooperation in the tourism economy. Since its inception, the Forum has convened eleven successful editions and attracted more than 15,500 participants from 88 countries and regions, as well as over 780 renowned speakers. Through the Forum, exchanges and cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and cultural sectors between China and the international community have been continuously strengthened.
China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for Culture and Tourism Development supports the continued enhancement of the Global Tourism Economy Forum and recognizes its role in promoting international exchange and cooperation. In line with national development strategies and the implementation of the Macao SAR’s Third Five-Year Development Plan, Macao is actively leveraging its positioning as “One Centre, One Platform, One Base and One Highland”, while advancing the “1+4” strategy for adequate economic diversification and promoting high-quality development of the tourism industry.
This year’s Forum will focus on topics related to tourism resilience, technological innovation, market development, culture-tourism integration and sustainable growth. Discussions will cover emerging developments in areas such as artificial intelligence, educational tourism, sports-related industries, heritage revitalization and experiential retail, with a view to promoting innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
The Forum will also explore issues including global tourism investment, connectivity between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, mountain tourism, and investment facilitation. These discussions aim to encourage exchange of experience and promote cooperation in support of sustainable development of the tourism economy.
Spain has been invited as the Partner Country of this year’s Forum, while Hainan Province will participate as the Featured Province. Spain will share its experience in destination management, balanced regional development and sustainable tourism practices. Hainan Province will showcase developments arising from the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port and its high-level opening-up initiatives. The Forum will provide opportunities to strengthen exchanges and cooperation among participating destinations and stakeholders.
A series of activities will be held during the Forum, including plenary sessions, thematic discussions, business matching sessions, tourism promotion activities and networking events. Visits to Macao and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin will also be arranged, enabling participants to gain a deeper understanding of development opportunities in Macao and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The Forum is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. It maintains cooperation with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), as well as international organizations including the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the European Travel Commission (ETC), the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF).
The Macao SAR Government will continue to leverage Macao’s strengths as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and a platform for exchanges between Chinese and Western cultures. Through the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Macao will further promote international exchange and cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and cultural sectors, support adequate economic diversification, and contribute to the sustainable development of the global tourism economy.
