The annual summit of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) this year kicked off with exciting new changes – it is being held outdoors in Harbin, marking the first time since the forum’s establishment in 2012 that it has been held outside Macao. The 2025 GTEF is currently underway, representing a significant step forward in global tourism cooperation. This year’s forum is expected to be a productive gathering bringing together some of the most influential leaders in tourism and cultural development, showcasing the potential of Heilongjiang Province as an emerging global tourist destination.
Key Milestone: GTEF Moves to Harbin
The 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum has witnessed remarkable developments as Harbin takes center stage, welcoming over 1,000 guests from more than 30 countries and regions. Attendees include prominent figures from international tourism organizations, government officials, executives from Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and scholars. The forum’s decision to move outdoors – a first since its inception in Macao – reflects the growing interest in diversifying venues and themes, offering a fresh perspective on the global tourism industry.
Spanning several days, the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum · Heilongjiang has arranged a series of important events, such as keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, cultural exhibitions, and an investment promotion event for Heilongjiang Province. These activities focus on global trends, future directions, and sustainable tourism practices, all aimed at making the tourism industry more innovative, inclusive, and effective on the global stage.
International Cooperation: Strengthening Global Ties
The forum opened with keynote speeches by distinguished guests, including Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Mr. Ho, Chairman of the forum. Mr. Ho emphasized the importance of the Global Tourism Economy Forum as an opportunity to develop new, high-quality productive forces in the tourism industry, highlighting the potential of global tourism to play a key role in economic growth through international cooperation.
In addition, António Tam, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao, underscored Heilongjiang’s natural resources, long history, and the growing popularity of its winter tourism. The province’s unique winter experiences have attracted increasing attention, especially as travelers seek destinations with distinct seasonal charm. Mr. Tam also highlighted the ongoing cooperation between Heilongjiang and Macao, mentioning recent cooperation agreements to strengthen collaboration in areas such as education, cultural exchange, tourism, and other fields.
The focus on regional cooperation was further echoed in the speech by Mr. Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the forum. He discussed the evolving dynamics of the tourism industry, particularly the transformation from a resource-driven model to an innovation-driven one, and emphasized the importance of industrial innovation, cultural empowerment, and cross-border cooperation as the core pillars for the future development of tourism.
Evolution of Tourism Development: Toward High-Quality Growth
A key theme of this year’s forum is the transformation of the tourism industry toward quality over quantity. According to Mr. Ho, China’s efforts to upgrade its industrial base are also reflected in tourism, where growth is increasingly linked to investment in academia, relevant technologies, and immersive experiences. This transformation requires the tourism industry to adopt a more refined and personalized approach – no longer merely pursuing an increase in tourist numbers, but focusing on building a value-driven economy.
In a world where travelers seek deeper, more meaningful experiences, and governments and enterprises strive to minimize tourism’s environmental impact, these concepts are particularly relevant. The forum encourages discussions on leveraging relevant technologies and academic investment to create an intelligent, green, connected, and sustainable global tourism economy.
Showcasing Heilongjiang’s Unique Winter Tourism Charm
A major highlight of this year’s forum is the focus on Heilongjiang Province’s potential to become a winter tourism hub. As part of the event, invited guests will have the opportunity to participate in the “National Treasures · Ice City Gathering” exhibition, which features cultural relics from overseas. This activity is not only a celebration of the province’s unique history and culture but also a platform to showcase its emerging tourism products.
The forum also includes sightseeing programs and investment inspection tours designed to promote Heilongjiang’s winter tourism resources. Four dedicated tourism routes highlight the province’s winter attractions, offering an immersive experience that reveals why Heilongjiang is such an appealing destination. From winter sports to cultural experiences and stunning landscapes, this region of China is quickly becoming a must-visit for travelers seeking unique seasonal getaways.
Building a Sustainable Future for Global Tourism
The importance of sustainable tourism and cross-border cooperation was a recurring theme throughout the forum. Participants from around the world shared ideas and experiences on developing tourism in ways that benefit both local communities and the broader global economy. The forum emphasized that when managed properly, tourism can be a powerful tool for driving profitable activities, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.
For travelers, the discussions at the Global Tourism Economy Forum provide valuable insights into the future of tourism. As destinations like Heilongjiang develop, the industry will adapt to changing traveler preferences. Visitors can expect more personalized services, sustainable practices, and immersive experiences in the coming years. The future of tourism lies in creating value-oriented experiences that prioritize community well-being and environmental protection – elements that will become key components of the global tourism landscape.
Conclusion: Heilongjiang is Emerging as a Global Tourism Hub
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) in Harbin marks a turning point for China and the global tourism industry. With increasing cooperation between governments, tourism bureaus, and industry leaders, there is a growing focus on innovation, academic investment, and cultural exchange – laying the foundation for a more interconnected and responsible tourism future. The rising recognition of Heilongjiang as a winter tourism destination, combined with the continuous advancement of smart tourism, underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry.
