Harbin to Host 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum, Boosting Heilongjiang’s Winter Tourism Growth

Published on December 5, 2025

Harbin, located in Heilongjiang province, is set to host the prestigious Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) from December 15-17, 2025. This will be the first time the event is held outside Macao since its establishment in 2012. The choice of Harbin highlights the city’s growing prominence as a winter tourism hub, showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural and natural assets.

Heilongjiang province, particularly Harbin, is renowned for its winter festivals, ice sculptures, and snow sports. With its growing reputation in the global tourism scene, the GTEF forum is expected to bring together tourism ministers, industry leaders, investors, and cultural experts from around the world. The forum’s focus will be on leveraging Heilongjiang’s unique winter offerings and the power of cultural tourism to boost the region’s economy.

GTEF 2025 to Focus on Sustainable Tourism and Innovation

The theme for the 2025 forum, “New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy,” will emphasize the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and economic growth. According to the event organizers, GTEF 2025 aims to position Heilongjiang as a leader in winter tourism and cultural exchange, showcasing the region’s potential to attract global visitors year-round.

The forum will center around four major pillars: ice-snow economy and industrial innovation, cultural empowerment and brand building, investment leadership, and project development, along with cross-border cooperation. These themes align with Heilongjiang’s focus on promoting its ice-snow tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage as key drivers of economic growth.

A Booming Tourism Sector in Heilongjiang

Heilongjiang has seen significant growth in its tourism sector in recent years. In 2024, the province welcomed over 282 million visitors, marking a 29.1% increase from the previous year. Total tourism revenue soared to 370.12 billion yuan, with international arrivals also seeing a sharp rise of 95.4%. These figures demonstrate the rising global appeal of Heilongjiang’s tourism offerings, particularly its winter tourism products.

Harbin, the capital city, reported record-breaking visitor numbers in 2024, with nearly 179 million tourists contributing to a significant boost in local revenue. Known for its Ice Festival and Snow Sculpture Expo, Harbin is now positioning itself as a year-round destination, with winter tourism at the heart of its strategy. The upcoming GTEF forum will likely play a key role in accelerating this growth by attracting more international tourists and investmen

GTEF 2025: A Platform for Global Collaboration

GTEF 2025 will bring together over 1,000 delegates from around the world, including government officials, tourism ministers, business leaders, and cultural influencers. The forum will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering cross-border partnerships and promoting global tourism collaboration.

One of the forum’s main goals is to create opportunities for tourism investment, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and cultural tourism. Through this event, Heilongjiang is expected to attract significant international investment, which will contribute to the development of new tourism projects, hotels, resorts, and transportation networks across the province.

Harbin’s Winter Tourism Revolution

The 2025 GTEF will spotlight Harbin’s winter tourism offerings, such as the world-renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, which attracts millions of visitors annually. The city’s ability to turn its cold climate into a powerful tourism asset is a prime example of how innovation and cultural heritage can create a thriving tourism economy.

Harbin’s winter festivals and attractions are already drawing visitors from all over the world, and the city’s infrastructure is constantly evolving to meet the growing demand. With the GTEF forum taking place in Harbin, the city will be further positioned as a leader in winter tourism, with new opportunities for cultural exchange and international collaboration.

The Future of Tourism in Heilongjiang

Hosting GTEF 2025 marks a significant step for Heilongjiang as it continues to build its reputation as a global tourism destination. The forum will provide a platform for the region to showcase its winter tourism and cultural offerings while creating new opportunities for global tourism partnerships.

For investors, business leaders, and tourism professionals, GTEF 2025 offers a chance to discover the untapped potential of Heilongjiang and collaborate on future tourism projects. For travelers, it provides an exciting opportunity to explore a province rich in culture, natural beauty, and world-class winter attractions.

A Global Invitation to Explore Heilongjiang

As the global tourism community prepares to descend upon Harbin in December 2025, Heilongjiang is ready to showcase its winter magic and cultural vibrancy to the world. The forum will not only highlight the region’s unique tourism assets but also position it as a central hub for cross-border tourism collaboration.

Harbin’s ice-covered streets and breathtaking snow sculptures will undoubtedly capture the hearts of visitors. But it is the region’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation in the tourism sector that will leave a lasting impact, ensuring that Heilongjiang remains a top global destination for years to come.