The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum · Macao was held in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Oct 16. Under the theme “Crisis · Resilience · Evolution — Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future,” the forum brought together representatives from the tourism industry and related sectors in China and abroad to explore emerging trends, new opportunities and challenges in the global tourism economy.

Guests attending the opening ceremony included Ho Hau Wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Forum; Sam Hou Fai, chief executive of the Macao SAR; Zheng Xincong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Cheng Lei, acting commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR; Bateer, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hainan Provincial Committee and executive vice-governor of the Hainan Provincial Government; Shaikha Al Nuwais, secretary-general of UN Tourism; and Miguel Sanz Castedo, representative of the Minister for Industry and Tourism of Spain.

Addressing the forum, Ho said tourism is not only a driver of economic growth but also a key vehicle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, building global consensus and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. At this new historical juncture, he said, the forum would fulfill its mission, leverage Macao's role as a hub, and bring together tourism and cultural industry stakeholders from around the world to make greater contributions to the sustainable development of the global tourism economy.

In his address, Sam said that visitor arrivals in Macao exceeded 40 million in 2025, setting a new record. He said new business models integrating tourism with other sectors have gained strong momentum, while the city's internationalization and economic diversification has accelerated.

Nuwais said China is a global tourism powerhouse and that its leadership helped shape the global agenda.

The forum featured a diverse program, including visits to Macao and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Guangdong province, aimed at promoting industrial cooperation and facilitating business matchmaking and project cooperation.

Established in Macao in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum has grown into an important platform for high-level dialogue and multilateral cooperation in the global tourism and cultural sectors.