Macao Elevates Its Global Tourism Reputation as GTEF 2025 Shines a Spotlight on Heilongjiang’s Winter Economy and Cultural Empowerment

Published on December 17, 2025

Macao’s international profile received a substantial boost as it hosted the 11th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) in Heilongjiang, China, in December 2025. This landmark event, held outside Macao for the first time, marked an important milestone for the city, positioning it as a major international tourism hub. Bringing together global leaders, industry experts, and tourism professionals, the Forum not only underscored the significance of tourism as a key economic driver but also highlighted Macao’s evolving role as a world centre of tourism and leisure. This collaboration aimed to explore innovative solutions and cooperation opportunities within the global tourism industry, with an emphasis on sustainable development and cross-border collaboration.

The Global Tourism Economy Forum: A Historic Milestone for Macao and Heilongjiang

Held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, this year’s Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) was a groundbreaking event that transcended the boundaries of its traditional host city, Macao. The Forum attracted over 1,000 delegates, including cultural tourism officials, renowned entrepreneurs, and scholars from both China and various international destinations. The event was an opportunity to delve into key discussions surrounding the tourism economy, marking a turning point in how Macao can influence global tourism development.

Why Heilongjiang and Macao? The Strategic Partnership in Tourism

Heilongjiang, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, has become an increasingly important player in China’s tourism landscape. This year’s event highlighted the growing ties between Heilongjiang and Macao, especially in terms of economic cooperation and tourism collaboration. Here’s why this partnership is set to enhance the tourism experience for both regions:

• Diverse Resources: Heilongjiang’s vast landscapes, rich in winter tourism opportunities, and Macao’s world-renowned entertainment and cultural offerings complement each other perfectly, creating opportunities for new types of tourism experiences.
• Economic Cooperation: The two regions have signed several cooperative agreements and memorandums of understanding, strengthening their economic, trade, cultural, and tourism ties.
• Strategic Development: Macao’s “One Centre, One Platform, One Base” development strategy focuses on diversifying its industries and boosting sustainable tourism, while Heilongjiang is keen on exploring the tourism potential of its unique landscape, including its ice-snow economy and winter tourism.

Thematic Discussions at the Forum: Paving the Way for Future Growth

The Forum’s discussions were based on four main pillars that reflect both Heilongjiang’s and Macao’s aspirations for sustainable and innovative tourism development. These pillars are:

1. Ice-Snow Economy & Industrial Innovation
   Heilongjiang is emerging as a premier destination for winter sports and cold-weather tourism, attracting global attention with its ski resorts, snow festivals, and scenic winter landscapes. The Forum explored how these resources can be developed and marketed to attract more international visitors, enhancing the region’s profile as a winter tourism hub.
2. Cultural Empowerment & Brand Building
   Macao, known for its fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, is positioning itself as a cultural tourism leader. The Forum discussed how both regions can empower their local cultures and brand their tourism offerings to appeal to diverse international markets.
3. Investment Leadership & Project Development
   Tourism investments and infrastructure development were key topics, focusing on how both regions can collaborate on large-scale tourism projects. Macao’s luxury resorts, integrated entertainment complexes, and cultural destinations have seen continuous investment, while Heilongjiang is keen to expand its tourism infrastructure to cater to a growing number of tourists.
4. Cross-Border Collaboration & Cooperation Opportunities
   The Forum emphasized the importance of cross-border tourism cooperation between regions like Macao and Heilongjiang, and how shared initiatives can create a more cohesive tourism offering. Joint marketing efforts, shared cultural events, and combined tourism packages were identified as key strategies for fostering deeper engagement and collaboration.

Macao’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

One of the most significant outcomes of the Global Tourism Economy Forum was Macao’s reinforced commitment to sustainable tourism. As the region moves forward with its “1+4” development strategy, it is becoming increasingly important for Macao to integrate sustainability into its tourism infrastructure. This commitment was underscored during the “Macao Session” at the Forum, where leaders discussed how to manage tourism growth responsibly.

Key highlights of Macao’s sustainable tourism approach include:

• Eco-friendly Resorts: Encouraging the development of eco-conscious resorts that minimize environmental impact while offering luxurious travel experiences.
• Green Tourism: Promoting green practices across the tourism sector, including sustainable transportation, waste management, and renewable energy usage in hotels and attractions.
• Cultural Sustainability: Ensuring that tourism growth does not harm the cultural heritage of the region, but rather enhances its value through thoughtful preservation and innovation.

The Role of Technology in Tourism Development

Technology was another focal point at the Forum, with discussions on how digital tools and innovations are transforming the tourism industry. From virtual reality (VR) experiences to smart tourism apps and data-driven insights, technology has become an integral part of the tourism experience in both Macao and Heilongjiang.

• Smart Tourism: Macao is embracing smart tourism initiatives, including digital ticketing systems, augmented reality tours, and AI-powered customer service, to enhance the visitor experience.
• Innovation in Hospitality: With the rise of digital platforms, Heilongjiang and Macao are looking at ways to integrate tech solutions in their hospitality and service industries to streamline operations and create more personalized experiences for travelers.

Macao’s Expanding Role in the Global Tourism Arena

Since its inception in 2012, the GTEF has established Macao as an influential player in the international tourism sector. The Forum’s success in Heilongjiang only adds to Macao’s growing reputation as a global centre for tourism innovation and exchange.

• Tourism Investment: Through the Forum’s initiatives, Macao is poised to attract more foreign investment in its tourism and leisure sectors, especially in the fields of entertainment, cultural heritage, and sustainable travel.
• International Recognition: By hosting such high-profile global events, Macao is reinforcing its position on the world stage, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global tourism discussions.
• Future Prospects: The success of GTEF 2025 in Heilongjiang is expected to pave the way for future collaborations between Macao, Heilongjiang, and other international tourism destinations. The emphasis on cross-border cooperation, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural exchange will continue to shape the future of tourism in both regions.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Macao and Heilongjiang’s Tourism Development

The Global Tourism Economy Forum 2025 has undoubtedly elevated the global tourism landscape, particularly for Macao and Heilongjiang. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, both regions are well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable development, cultural exchange, and cross-border collaboration. By fostering closer ties with international markets, embracing technological innovations, and committing to sustainability, Macao and Heilongjiang are setting the stage for a new era in global tourism.

As both regions look toward the future, the discussions held at GTEF 2025 will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the global tourism economy in the years to come. With a focus on innovation, investment, and sustainable growth, the Forum has laid the foundation for continued cooperation, growth, and transformation in the global tourism industry.