The 10th World Tourism Economy Forum Macau 2023 (GTEF) concluded on September 23rd after four days of events at the Galaxy International Convention Centre. Set against the backdrop of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Forum provided a platform for insightful discussions on the sustainable development of the tourism industry in light of new challenges and prospects.
The commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative tourism cooperation remained a focus throughout GTEF. One key session was organised in collaboration with UNWTO’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific and was entitled “Focus on Sustainability: Pave the Future of Tourism in Asia”. The theme of the session was introduced by Mr Harry Hwang He Kuk, Director General of UNWTO’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.
The “Focus on Sustainability” panel explored long-term sustainability and development goals for Asia’s tourism industry.
During the session, panelists including Maria Elena de Sena Fernandes (Director General, Macao Government Tourism Board), Priansa Fernando (Chairman, Tourism Development Authority of Sri Lanka), Cristina Garcia Frasco (Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines) and Hussain Niyaz (Secretary, Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives) discussed the tourism industry’s long-term sustainability and development goals, with a focus on Asia’s contribution to its transformation.
Another session, organised in collaboration with the European Travel Commission (ETC), centred around the theme “A New Vision: Reimagining European Tourism”, where panellists, including representatives from Rocco Forte Hotels, the Italian National Tourist Board, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited and the European Parliament, explored strategies to improve and enhance tourism development in Europe.
In partnership with the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), the Forum also featured a session titled “Redefining Urban Tourism for the Next Decade,” where panelists delved into how urban tourism can be transformed and enhanced to meet future demands.
Moderated by international TV presenter Martina Fuchs, the event featured an in-depth discussion on connecting countries through arts and culture, with distinguished panelists sharing their perspectives on the role of arts and culture in connecting diverse cultures and fostering international cooperation.
Italy’s enduring popularity as a global travel destination was discussed in a panel session entitled “Italy as a Destination for Asian Tourists”, which brought together key figures from the Italian tourism industry.
Leading figures in the travel industry explored the potential of cultural tourism to create lasting, positive impact.
Organized in collaboration with the China Chamber of Tourism (CCT), the session explored how to strengthen and improve cultural tourism to positively impact people’s lives. Prominent figures from the tourism industry shared their insights and experiences.
In a session held in partnership with the World Tourism Federation (WTA), panelists discussed the indispensable relationship between technological innovation and the tourism industry, highlighting how technology can innovate and enhance the travel experience.
For the first time, GTEF introduced case-sharing and fireside chat sessions. These interactive sessions enabled experts to share real-life cases and engage in meaningful conversations on the future of tourism.
The 10th GTEF marked an important milestone in its journey. Over the past decade, the forum has attracted more than 14,000 on-site participants and millions of online participants from around the world. It has welcomed delegations from different provinces and regions of China and hosted well-known speakers from diverse backgrounds.
As the tourism industry continues to evolve, the insights and discussions at the 10th GTEF will serve as a valuable resource in shaping the future of tourism around the world.
