CE urges Global Tourism Economy Forum to promote innovation and the sustainability of global tourism
MACAU, October 16 - The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, today attended the opening of the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026. He urged the Forum to join forces with all sectors, to extend the vitality of the tourism economy to other areas and to promote innovation as well as the sustainability of the global tourism industry.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive noted that the Forum, since its establishment in Macao in 2012, had become an important platform for high-level dialogue and multilateral cooperation in global tourism. He added that the Forum had continuously enhanced its offerings over the years and had seen its global influence gradually grow. The event helps Macao accumulate experience, while contributing new ideas to the world, Mr Sam stated.
The theme of this year’s Forum, “Crisis • Resilience • Evolution – Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future”, echoes the global consensus as manifested in the United Nations’ designation of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.
The Forum aims to bring together global elites and foster collaboration – not only to support Macao’s own development – but also to inject new momentum into the global tourism economy, for a more resilient and sustainable future.
The Chief Executive pointed out that the global tourism industry had demonstrated a robust recovery following a period of multiple challenges, and that it was moving toward a deeper transformation and a significant leap forward. Global tourism generated 1.52 billion arrivals last year. In Macao, the tourism sector saw steady and positive growth last year, with visitor numbers exceeding 40 million – a historic high. The "Tourism+" model has unleashed tremendous vitality, while the city’s internationalisation and diversification efforts have intensified. This represents not merely a breakthrough in volume, but also a substantial enhancement in quality, said Mr Sam.
Looking ahead, Macao will continue to leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland, while being connected to the world. By advancing a strategy of “Go North, Down South, Move West, Navigate East”, Macao aims fully to develop into a world centre of tourism and leisure, as well as a multiple-culture exchange and cooperation base with an emphasis on Chinese culture. This is to expand multi-faceted partnerships for shared development. This year’s Forum continues to receive strong support from UN Tourism as a partner, and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a collaborating organisation. Furthermore, Spain has been invited to be a partner country of the Forum. Given the deep and friendly ties between Spain and Macao, there is significant potential for high-quality tourism cooperation. Meanwhile, Hainan Province has been invited to participate as a guest-of-honour province. As Hainan is currently focused on the development of a free trade port, its distinct policy advantages are set to inject fresh momentum into the exchanges and cooperation fostered by the Forum.
In concluding his remarks, Mr Sam invited participants of the Forum to explore the streets and landmarks of Macao, to see for themselves the unique charm of the city’s cultural diversity.
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