The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), established in Macao SAR in 2012, has emerged as a preeminent international platform driving the future of sustainable tourism development. GTEF brings together leaders from government, business, and academia to address opportunities and challenges in the global tourism economy. For more than a decade, the GTEF has facilitated transformative connections through bilateral meetings, strategic business matching, and exhibitions, providing valuable insights into emerging industry trends and fostering meaningful international cooperation.

The GTEF is anchored by a strategic alliance with UN Tourism and World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and supported by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC). Building on this foundation, the Forum has formally established collaboration with leading international organizations, including the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and the European Travel Commission (ETC). The Forum’s extensive international network further encompasses partnerships with influential institutions spanning nearly every world region, including the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), World Tourism Alliance (WTA), International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF).

With deep roots in Macao and steadfast support from key Chinese institutions, GTEF serves as an essential bridge between China and the global tourism community. The Forum harnesses Macao’s unique position as a cultural crossroads to create unprecedented opportunities for international exchange while providing access to China's dynamic tourism industry. Through its platform, GTEF has successfully showcased 44 partner countries and 13 featured Chinese provinces and cities, enabling them to present their destinations, unlock tourism opportunities, and explore compelling investment prospects. In December 2025, GTEF achieved a historic milestone in its “going out” strategy by hosting the “11th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Heilongjiang 2025” in Harbin, China, marking the Forum’s first venture beyond Macao since its inception. This landmark event signaled GTEF's evolution as it enters its second decade of fostering international tourism collaboration.

Since its inception, GTEF has welcomed more than 15,500 participants from 88 countries and regions, featuring 780 internationally renowned speakers from public, private, and academic sectors. The Forum's impact has garnered extensive international media coverage, valued at USD $1 billion.

Looking ahead, GTEF is committed to establishing itself as the “Davos Forum for the Global Culture and Tourism sectors,” continuing to drive sustainable industry development and creating broader opportunities for international cooperation.