The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum Macao 2026 Grandly Commences
The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026 ("GTEF") grandly commenced on October 18, 2026 at the MGM Theater at MGM COTAI.
Theme
- "Crisis, Resilience, Evolution: Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future"
- Focus on strengthening tourism resilience, sustainability, and long-term growth.
Key Objectives
- Bring together global tourism leaders, governments, businesses, and experts.
- Discuss challenges including geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, climate risks, and changing traveler behavior.
- Explore strategies for high-quality and sustainable tourism development.
Macao's Role
- Reinforcing Macao as a global tourism and leisure hub.
- Using tourism to support economic diversification and international cooperation.
Global Tourism Outlook
- International tourism continues to recover and grow.
- Emphasis on creating value for destinations and local communities, not just increasing visitor numbers.
China's Contribution
- China remains a major driver of global tourism growth.
- Visa facilitation and improved connectivity are boosting international travel.
Sustainability & Innovation
- Strong focus on green tourism, smart tourism, and digital transformation.
- Encouragement of tourism models that benefit local communities.
Partner Country: Spain
- Promoting cooperation on sustainable, innovative, and people-centered tourism.
- Addressing common challenges such as technology integration and value creation.
Featured Province: Hainan
- Showcased opportunities linked to the Hainan Free Trade Port.
- Highlighted tourism collaboration opportunities with Macao.
Key Takeaways
- Resilience is essential for future tourism growth.
- Sustainability must be at the center of tourism development.
- Public-private collaboration is crucial.
- Industry focus is shifting from tourism volume to tourism value.
- Greater international cooperation will help shape the future of global tourism.
