Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai on Friday said that the special administrative region is ready to deepen exchanges with delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region and explore new paths for tourism cooperation.
He made the remarks during a welcome dinner for delegates attending the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting, which Macao is hosting for the first time in 12 years.
Sam expressed his anticipation of “profound exchanges” with representatives from all APEC member economies on sustainable tourism, and said he hopes these discussions will create new opportunities for regional cooperation.
He described the meeting as both a major gathering for the tourism industry and a landmark event within the broader “APEC China 2026” program. Sam said the Macao SAR government will spare no effort to ensure the event is a success.
The reception was jointly hosted by the Macao SAR government and the nation’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism for high-level delegates attending the tourism meetings in Macao.
This year’s meeting is scheduled on Saturday at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex, under the theme “Digital Innovation, Collaborative Empowerment: Leveraging Tourism for an Asia-Pacific Community”.
Sam highlighted the significance of Macao’s return as host, noting it reflects the central government’s trust and support for the city. He also thanked the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their guidance in helping Macao organize this high-level event.
Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Macao participates in APEC as a “guest economy” in four working groups, including the Tourism Working Group.
Sam added that Macao has long played an important role in fostering exchanges between China and the West, and remains committed to contributing further in areas such as international tourism cooperation.
Highlighting Macao’s recent tourism performance, Sam said that the city welcomed a record of more than 40 million visitors in 2025. Visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 increased 14 percent year-on-year, with international arrivals rising over 10 percent.
Per-capita nongaming spending by visitors increased around 10 percent from the previous year, while international visitors’ per-capita spending jumped more than 30 percent, he said. Under Macao’s “Tourism+” strategy, new industry models are injecting vitality into the sector and accelerating its diversification and internationalization.
Ahead of the weekend meeting, the 67th APEC Tourism Working Group convened in Macao earlier this week. Delegates discussed topics such as digital transformation, human capital development, travel facilitation, competitiveness, sustainable tourism, and economic growth.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, outlined the SAR’s economic diversification strategy. Other Macao representatives also engaged with delegates from APEC member economies to promote regional tourism cooperation.
In October, the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Hong Kong, followed by the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen in November.
