Macao – October 17, 2026 -- International travel has reached 690 million trips so far this year, 3 million more than in the same period last year, UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais told the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) in Macao on Saturday, despite geopolitical tension and conflict in the Middle East.
The forum opened at the MGM Theater at MGM COTAI under the theme "Crisis, Resilience, Evolution." It returns to its founding host city after the 11th edition was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang, in December, the first time the event left Macao.
Macao's Economy Ministry and UN Tourism organise the 12th forum
The Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region government organises the event in collaboration with UN Tourism. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the collaboration organisation. The Macao Government Tourism Office and the China Chamber of Tourism are co-organisers, and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre is coordinator.
Backers include China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, the European Travel Commission and the World Tourism Alliance.
Al Nuwais calls for workforce upgrades and value over volume
Al Nuwais said success depends on what journeys create for destinations and communities, not only on traveller counts. She called for training the workforce in skills, professionalism and service mindset as traveller expectations rise. She said Macao is moving "from volume to value" by linking culture, gastronomy, health and innovation.
WTTC's Guevara credits China's visa exemptions for driving growth
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara, the forum's honorary chairman, said the council's research shows China is driving global tourism growth. She pointed to visa-exempt entry and improved flight and transport connectivity as the key enablers, and said public-private collaboration can unlock further growth.
Macao leaders tie the forum to economic diversification
Forum Chairman Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the event supports Macao's economic diversification. Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the territory will push its development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, building on its "Northward, Southward, Westward and Eastward" strategies.
Spain and Hainan use the stage to pitch cooperation
Miguel Sanz Castedo, Director General of Turespaña and President of the European Travel Commission, spoke for partner country Spain. He named three shared challenges: creating greater value, applying technology while keeping the human dimension of travel, and ensuring tourism contributes to prosperity and wellbeing.
Bateer, Executive Vice Governor of Hainan, represented the featured province. He described Hainan as China's largest special economic zone and sole free trade port, and invited global partners to pursue leisure and investment opportunities in the Hainan Free Trade Port.
Industry leaders frame crises as drivers of structural change
Luo Laijun, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, said public health emergencies, extreme weather, economic volatility and shifting consumer trends have accelerated the industry's structural transformation. He named cultural integration, green transition and smart travel as areas for breakthroughs.
Long Yongtu, former Vice Minister of China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, said deeper integration of tourism with other sectors strengthens industry resilience.