Shenzhen Sets the Stage for APEC 2026: China’s Bold Vision to Transform Asia-Pacific Tourism and Economic Growth

Published on December 13, 2025

In a landmark event for the travel and tourism sector, senior officials from the 21 APEC economies gathered in Shenzhen, China, to lay the groundwork for APEC 2026. This coastal city, renowned for its rapid transformation and innovation, hosted the meeting to discuss the framework for the upcoming summit. With China at the helm for APEC 2026, the theme, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” was introduced with a focus on regional unity, economic cooperation, and the role of tourism in shaping the future of the Asia-Pacific.

Addressing Regional Challenges and Strengthening Unity

During the meeting, Ma Zhaoxu, China’s Deputy Foreign Minister, highlighted the urgency of fostering unity in the face of global challenges, including rising protectionism and sluggish economic growth. These issues have put increasing pressure on the region’s economy, including its vibrant tourism industry, which is crucial to many of the APEC economies. Ma emphasized that the tourism sector must be part of a broader, coordinated effort to mitigate the negative effects of these global challenges and ensure sustainable growth in the region.

The ability of APEC members to come together as a collective will be pivotal in securing long-term prosperity. As tourism continues to be one of the key drivers of economic growth across the region, the meeting underscored the need for collaboration across industries, from tourism and trade to technology and innovation.

China’s Vision for APEC 2026: A Boost for Tourism and Growth

Looking ahead to 2026, Ma reflected on President Xi Jinping’s remarks from the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju. Xi’s vision for a unified Asia-Pacific community emphasizes growth, prosperity, and stronger cooperation on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). For the tourism industry, this means more open borders, increased connectivity, and collaboration on digital transformation, which will make travel more accessible and efficient across the region.

China’s commitment to ensuring that APEC economies benefit from these developments is clear. Tourism, alongside trade and technology, will play a central role in the transformation of the region’s economic landscape, enhancing opportunities for both inbound and outbound travel. With Asia-Pacific becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, fostering unity and collaboration will ensure that all members of APEC can share in the growth of the tourism sector.

The Three Core Priorities for APEC 2026: Openness, Innovation, and Cooperation

At the heart of China’s plan for APEC 2026 are three priorities: openness, innovation, and cooperation. These priorities are essential for driving the region’s tourism and economic development.

Openness has long been central to the region’s success, especially in tourism. With tariffs across APEC countries dropping significantly, travel and trade have flourished. In 2026, the 20th anniversary of the FTAAP will serve as an ideal milestone to reinforce support for a more open regional economic environment. This openness directly benefits tourism, as easier travel and fewer barriers make the region an attractive destination for international visitors.

Innovation is another cornerstone of APEC 2026. Ma highlighted the accelerating pace of technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital economies. For tourism, this means smarter, more seamless travel experiences, from AI-powered travel planning tools to better digital infrastructure for tourists. Shenzhen, a global hub of innovation, stands as a perfect example of how technology can drive the future of tourism, enhancing both traveler experiences and operational efficiencies across the sector.

Cooperation remains fundamental to Asia-Pacific’s prosperity. APEC’s role as the region’s premier economic cooperation forum ensures that tourism is not left behind. By fostering deeper cooperation in areas like tourism policy, infrastructure development, and human resources, APEC can create a more integrated and efficient travel ecosystem. This collaboration ensures that all member economies, large and small, benefit from the growth of tourism and the associated economic opportunities.

Shenzhen: A Symbol of Innovation and Economic Growth

Shenzhen, which hosted this pivotal meeting, stands as a symbol of China’s economic transformation. From its modest beginnings as a special economic zone in 1980, the city has become one of China’s most vibrant and innovative cities, with a GDP of 3.68 trillion yuan in 2024 and a trade volume of 4.5 trillion yuan. Shenzhen’s success story reflects the themes of openness, innovation, and cooperation that China is promoting for APEC 2026.

As the host of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in November 2026, Shenzhen will play a crucial role in shaping the tourism landscape of the Asia-Pacific. The city’s rise as a global innovation hub also provides a powerful backdrop for discussions on how to harness technological advancements to benefit the tourism sector.

APEC 2026 Logo: Unity Through Tourism

The APEC 2026 logo, unveiled at the meeting, draws inspiration from Shenzhen’s identity as a city of transformation. The logo features 21 interwoven feathers, each representing an APEC member economy. These feathers symbolize unity and interconnectedness, crucial themes for tourism. As tourism connects people across borders, the logo reflects how the diverse economies of APEC are interconnected through shared goals of growth and prosperity.

The Role of Shenzhen in APEC 2026

Shenzhen’s importance will only grow as APEC 2026 approaches. In addition to hosting the Economic Leaders’ Week, the city will continue to lead conversations around regional development, innovation, and sustainable tourism. By integrating digital tools, smart tourism infrastructure, and fostering regional cooperation, Shenzhen will set the stage for a transformative APEC summit that will benefit the tourism sector across Asia-Pacific.

The Aotearoa Plan of Action: Advancing Sustainable Tourism

A key milestone for APEC 2026 will be the five-year review of the Aotearoa Plan of Action. This plan, instrumental in shaping the region’s economic and social development, also includes a strong focus on sustainable tourism. As the global tourism industry faces increasing pressure to address environmental concerns, APEC’s commitment to sustainable practices will be central to shaping the future of travel in the Asia-Pacific.

Looking Ahead: A Path to Tourism Prosperity in 2026

In February 2026, senior officials will convene in Guangzhou for the first set of technical meetings. These discussions will help shape the agenda for APEC 2026, setting the stage for important decisions that will impact the tourism industry across Asia-Pacific. The future of tourism in the region depends on continued cooperation, innovation, and the ability to adapt to global challenges.

With China’s leadership and the collective efforts of APEC members, the 2026 summit promises to be a turning point for tourism in the Asia-Pacific, unlocking new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity.

[Image Credit: Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation]