The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) 2026 has concluded in Macao after bringing together approximately 1,300 participants from around 30 countries and regions to discuss the future of international tourism. The gathering included government representatives, tourism industry executives, international organisation officials, researchers, academics and media professionals, with discussions centred on industry resilience, cultural tourism, inbound travel and sustainable development.
The event served as a platform for tourism leaders to exchange ideas, explore new business opportunities and strengthen cooperation across international markets. Its live broadcasts attracted more than 8.6 million online views, extending the discussions beyond the participants attending in person. The forum also highlighted Macao’s role as an international meeting point for tourism, business and cultural exchange.
Global Tourism Leaders Discuss Industry Priorities
The forum featured 28 main sessions, including high-level discussions and panel presentations, with 75 speakers, moderators and distinguished guests sharing their perspectives on tourism development. Key discussions examined how destinations and businesses can respond to uncertainty, improve tourism resilience, attract international visitors and connect cultural experiences with tourism products while maintaining a focus on sustainability. The closing ceremony was held on October 16, with senior officials and tourism representatives in attendance.
Among the prominent participants were Ho Hau Wah, chairman of GTEF and vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Shaikha Al Nuwais, secretary-general of UN Tourism; Pansy Ho, vice chairman and secretary-general of GTEF; and Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office and vice chairman of the forum. In her closing address, Senna Fernandes emphasised the importance of bringing together tourism decision-makers and industry leaders to share expertise and develop practical partnerships. She noted that Macao’s connections with China and the wider world provide opportunities to promote innovation, exchange knowledge and support more sustainable development in the tourism economy.
Business Networking Opens Doors to International Cooperation
The forum created opportunities for tourism organisations and businesses to establish connections through approximately 50 bilateral meetings. These discussions covered tourism, aviation, investment promotion and international cooperation, allowing participants to explore areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. Business-matching activities brought together more than 600 participants at the venue and facilitated over 1,000 business-to-business matchings through online and in-person sessions. More than 90 successful matchings were recorded through the Spain Business Matching programme.
Project presentations, interviews and networking activities further encouraged participants to exchange ideas, build industry relationships and explore new commercial opportunities. Environmental responsibility also featured prominently in the forum’s discussions. Pansy Ho highlighted the potential of green tourism to create opportunities for younger travellers while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity. Her remarks reinforced the importance of developing tourism models that protect natural resources and support local economic participation.
Hainan Plans to Host the 2027 Forum
Hainan Province has expressed its interest in hosting the 13th edition of GTEF in 2027, opening the prospect of further cooperation between the two Chinese destinations and international tourism partners. Bateer, executive vice governor of the Hainan Provincial People’s Government, said the province hoped to work with Macao and other partners to expand visitor exchanges, encourage tourism industry development and introduce new approaches to cultural tourism. The initiative aims to complement Hainan’s ambition to develop as an international tourism and consumption centre with Macao’s established position as a global destination for tourism and leisure.
The proposed hosting arrangement would also provide an opportunity to extend the forum’s international reach and build on the partnerships developed during the 2026 gathering. As part of these efforts, 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 focuses on closer industry connections and resource sharing, supporting coordinated development alongside wider initiatives associated with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port.
Cultural and Health Tourism Experiences Showcase Regional Diversity
Beyond conference sessions and business meetings, the programme introduced participants to Macao’s varied tourism offerings through organised cultural and inspection visits. Delegates explored the Historic Centre of Macao, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and attended an exhibition of cultural and creative products organised jointly by 22 cultural institutions from across China. The itinerary also included the Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the Hengqin Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Experience Hall and Zhuhai Chimelong International Ocean Resort.
These visits demonstrated how destinations can broaden their tourism appeal by linking heritage and cultural attractions with healthcare, traditional medicine and leisure experiences. They also offered participants insights into cooperation between Macao and neighbouring Hengqin and Zhuhai. The conclusion of GTEF 2026 marked the end of a programme combining international dialogue, business engagement and destination experiences. With Hainan seeking to host the next edition, the forum is positioned to continue encouraging cross-border partnerships and knowledge exchange, while promoting a tourism economy that places greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth.
