The 10th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2023 (GTEF) drew to a
close on 23 September, after a four-day event at the Galaxy
International Convention Center. Against the backdrop of the United
Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the forum served as a
platform for insightful discussions regarding the tourism industry's
sustainable development in light of emerging challenges and prospects.
Sustainability in focus
Throughout GTEF, the dedication to advancing sustainable and
innovative tourism collaborations remained a focal point. One of the key
sessions was held in partnership with UNWTO's Regional Department for
Asia and the Pacific, titled ‘Sustainability in Focus: Navigating the
Future of Tourism in Asia’. The session's theme was introduced by
regional director for Asia and the Pacific at UNWTO, Harry Hwang Hae
Guk.
The Sustainability in Focus panel explored long-term sustainability and development objectives within the Asian tourism landscape.
In this session, panelists, including Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes
(director of Macao Government Tourism Office), Priantha Fernando
(chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority), Christina
Garcia Frasco (secretary of the Department of Tourism of the
Philippines), and Hussain Niyaaz (secretary for Economic Cooperation of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives), discussed the long-term
sustainability and development goals of the tourism industry, with a
focus on Asia's contributions to its transformation.
Reshaping tourism in Europe
Another session, organised in collaboration with the European Travel
Commission (ETC), centered around the theme ‘A Renewed Vision: Reshaping
Tourism in Europe’. Panelists, which included representatives from
Rocco Forte Hotels, the Italian National Tourist Board, Melco Resorts
& Entertainment Limited, and the European Parliament, explored
strategies for refining and upgrading tourism development in Europe.
Redefining city tourism for the next decade
In partnership with the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), the
forum featured a session titled ‘Redefining City Tourism for the Next
Decade’. Panelists delved into discussions on how urban tourism can be
transformed and upgraded to meet the demands of the future.
Bridging nations through art and culture
An in-depth discussion on bridging nations through art and culture
was hosted by international TV anchor Martina Fuchs. Distinguished
panelists shared their insights into the role of art and culture in
connecting diverse cultures and fostering international cooperation.
Italy as a destination for Asian tourists
A panel session titled ‘Italy as a Destination for Asian Tourists’
featured discussions on Italy's enduring popularity as a global travel
destination. Key figures from Italy's tourism sector participated in
this session.
Tourism makes people's lives better
Prominent figures in the travel sector explored the capacity of cultural tourism to create enduring and positive effects.
Held in collaboration with the China Chamber of Tourism (CCT), this
session explored the ways in which cultural tourism can be enhanced and
improved to positively impact people's lives. Prominent figures from the
tourism industry provided their insights and experiences.
The transformative power of technology
In a session organised in partnership with the World Tourism Alliance
(WTA), panelists discussed the integral relationship between
technological innovation and tourism. They highlighted how technology
can reshape and enhance the travel experience.
Case sharing and fireside chat sessions
For the first time, GTEF introduced case sharing and fireside chat
sessions. These interactive sessions allowed experts to share real-world
examples and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of
tourism.
GTEF 2023: A decade of success
The 10th GTEF marked a significant milestone in its journey. Over the
past decade, the forum has attracted over 14,000 on-site participants
and millions of online participants from around the world. It has
welcomed delegations from various Chinese provinces and regions and
featured renowned speakers from diverse backgrounds.
As the tourism industry continues to evolve, the insights and
discussions at the 10th GTEF serve as a valuable resource for shaping
the future of tourism worldwide.