Ahead of the welcome dinner for the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met on Friday (June 26) with APEC Secretariat Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa to discuss the development of Macau’s tourism industry and closer cooperation with the organization’s member economies.
During the meeting, Sam Hou Fai noted that Macau welcomed a record number of visitors in 2025, alongside continued growth in international tourism, saying the figures reflected the city’s increasing global appeal.
The Chief Executive also stressed that the Macau Special Administrative Region government is promoting the appropriate diversification of the economy, with the implementation of four major strategic projects serving as one of its key priorities.
Among them is the Macau International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone, designed to combine cultural heritage with contemporary elements to create a new hub for culture, artistic exchange, tourism, leisure, and commercial activities, to attract more visitors and boost overall economic development.
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Sam Hou Fai also expressed hope that APEC economies would make full use of Macau as a platform for cooperation, as well as the opportunities created by the joint development of Macau and the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
According to Sam, the complementary strengths of Macau and Hengqin can turn both locations into a gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and mainland China’s market, fostering closer cooperation and mutual benefits.
For his part, Eduardo Pedrosa said Macau is uniquely positioned as a World Center of Tourism and Leisure, highlighting its appeal in tourism, gastronomy, conventions, and exhibitions. He also described the ministerial meeting as an opportunity for Macau to exchange experiences with other APEC economies and deepen cooperation in the tourism sector.
Pedrosa added that his visit had allowed him to experience firsthand the richness of the blend of Chinese and Western cultures while gaining a better understanding of the development and current state of Macau’s tourism industry. He also expressed hope that the region would continue to serve as a platform for exchanges between different civilizations and help strengthen regional tourism cooperation.
Also attending the meeting were Secretary for Economy and Finance Ng Wai Han, Chief Executive’s Office Director Chan Kak, Office Director for the Secretary for Economy and Finance Lo Chi Fai, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau Yau Yun Wah, and other officials.
