Crisis • Resilience • Evolution — Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future
MACAO, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026, scheduled for 15 to 17 October, officially announced today a selection of core speakers and key agenda highlights for this year's edition. Under the theme "Crisis • Resilience • Evolution — Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future", the Forum convenes political and business leaders, academia elites, and international organization representatives from across five continents to jointly explore the path toward reshaping the tourism economy and achieving sustainable development. This year's agenda introduces four major new highlights:
Global Thought Leadership: Shaping the Future Tourism Economy
The Forum invites Professor Jeffrey D. SACHS, world-renowned economics professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, to deliver a keynote speech. Drawing on his 30,000-kilometre "Marco Polo Drive of Peace, Culture and Sustainable Development" across Eurasia, he will examine tourism's unique role as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange and a powerful argument for peace. LONG Yongtu, former lead negotiator for China's WTO accession, former Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, and Honorary Chairman of the Forum, will also deliver a keynote speech to analyze China's inclusive growth model, offering crucial insights for the transformation and upgrading of the global tourism economy.
Ministerial Dialogue and Southeast Asian Leadership
In partnership with UN Tourism, the Forum will host a high-level ministerial panel to examine effective public-private collaboration ahead of the 2027 International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. The session will feature ministerial leaders including CHIEW Choon Man, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia; and KIM Dae-hyun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. They will share the stage with prominent private sector leaders including Hary TANOESOEDIBJO, Executive Chairman of MNC Group; Hamish KEITH, CEO of EXO Travel Group; and MAO Xiao, Director and CEO of Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels Co., Ltd., to discuss how to strengthen public-private partnerships, aligning government policies with private investment to achieve maximum synergy.
Aviation Mobility, Global Capital, and AI Innovation
The Forum collaborates with authoritative institutions such as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and European Travel Commission (ETC) to present major discussion sessions. On regional corridors and mobility, Tony FERNANDES, Co-Founder of AirAsia and CEO of Capital A Group; Arthur YU, CFO of H World Group Limited; Tyrion TONG, Vice President of Public Affairs of Alibaba Group; and Fred ZHOU, President and Board Director of MGM Hospitality Asia Pacific Limited, will explore emerging Asia Pacific travel trends. Decius VALMORBIDA, President of Travel at Amadeus IT Group, will share forward-looking insights on how agentic AI is disrupting global booking and itinerary experiences. Additionally, Price KARR, Chief Financial Officer at Wynn Macau, Limited, will deliver a presentation on how Wynn Resorts leverages AI technology to reshape the cultural tourism experience.
In global investment and cross-border connectivity, Greg O'HARA, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares, alongside LUO Suping, Chairman of the board of Hainan Tourism Investment Group Co., Ltd., and Andrew XU, Co-President and Chief Growth Officer of Club Med Lifestyle Group, will analyze destination investment environments. Meanwhile, Elena KOUNTOURA, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism of the European Parliament; Miguel SANZ CASTEDO, President of the European Travel Commission; SU Guoxin, Chairman of the Board of Directors, CITIC Europe Holdings a.s.; and Leo LIU, Vice President of Public Sector at Mastercard China, will address facilitating two-way visitor flows between Europe and China.
Cultural Heritage, Experiential Commerce, and Inbound Transformation
Addressing evolving consumer preferences, the Forum explores how cross-sector Tourism+ collaboration creates lasting value. Eric FOK, Vice Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, will take part in a fireside chat alongside Dr. Wilfred WONG, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd., and WEN Jiahong, County Magistrate of Taijiang County in Guizhou (the birthplace of "Village BA"), to compare how grassroots sporting activities and top-tier international events create lasting economic value for tourism destinations.
In culture and corporate social responsibility, YU Minhong, Founder and Chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group, will share the deep logic behind integrating tourism with education and culture, while GAO Dekang, Founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bosideng International Holdings Limited, will deliver a speech under the theme "Reaching Peaks, Embracing Warmth — Together for a Sustainable Bright Future", sharing insightful perspectives on how corporate social responsibility builds resilience and green development drives industry advancement.
In commercial space and retail innovation, Mayuree CHAIPROMPRASITH, President of Corporate Partnership and Communications at Siam Piwat Company Limited, alongside QIU Kai, Founder of Tangshan Banquet and Hetou Old Street, and representatives of Macao integrated resorts, will demonstrate how combining culture, gastronomy, and technology transforms traditional retail spaces into new tourism landmarks featuring immersive experiences, social connections, and cultural expression.
On cultural heritage and high-quality inbound tourism, Dr. KONG Vireak, Secretary-General of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, will analyze mechanisms for cultural heritage conservation and living inheritance. Maria Helena DE SENNA FERNANDES, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Leo ZHANG, Vice President and General Manager of Destination Cooperation Department at Trip.com Group; and HyungTae SON, Director of Hanatour Hongkong Co., Ltd., will explore enhancing service quality to craft high-quality inbound travel experiences with deep cultural heritage. Additionally, LU Yongzheng, Member of the Standing Committee and Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, will detail how mountain residential tourism breaks away from traditional volume-led models to foster sustainable community development and industry integration.
In addition, GTEF 2026 converges a stellar lineup of local cultural, tourism, and business leaders. Among them, Tim KELLY, President of City of Dreams Macau, will deliver a live presentation at Dancing Water Theater, while Augustus LEUNG, Assistant Vice President of Hospitality & MICE Sales of Galaxy Entertainment Group, will address delegates during the delegation luncheon. In collaboration with the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), a side event seminar titled "The Next Generation of Tourism Leadership" will be hosted at its Taipa Campus. The session will bring together leading academic authorities to explore talent attraction and development strategies. It will also examine how to close the gap between the classroom and real-world industry to foster future leaders. Dr. Fanny VONG, Rector of Macao University of Tourism, will also attend the event. The Forum has also arranged a dedicated Health and Wellness Industry Inspection Tour, leading participants to visit the Macao Union Medical Center as well as key infrastructure developments across the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The itinerary comprehensively showcases the unique appeal of "Tourism+" cross-sector integration and new regional development opportunities between Macao and Hengqin.
As a premier global platform for high-level dialogue in culture and tourism, the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum leverages Macao's unique advantages as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and a core engine of the Greater Bay Area. The Forum continues to serve as a robust bridge connecting China with the world, injecting strong momentum into a new era of resilient, inclusive, and high-quality sustainable global tourism economic growth.
About Global Tourism Economy Forum
Founded in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a premier international platform dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of the global tourism economy. Serving as an essential bridge for exchange and cooperation between China and the international community, the Forum convenes leaders from governments, enterprises, academia, and international organizations worldwide to address opportunities and challenges in global tourism, establishing itself as one of the most influential annual events in the global tourism economy sector.
Having successfully hosted eleven editions, the Forum has attracted over 15,500 delegates from 88 countries and regions and invited more than 780 world-renowned speakers. It has established a high-level dialogue and practical cooperation network that spans the globe and connects government, industry, academia, and research.
For more details about the Forum, please visit https://gte-forum.com/en/ and follow official social media channels for the latest updates.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Occasions Asia Pacific
Stella Wong
Jade Liu
Tel.: +852 3678 0123
Tel.: +852 3678 0135
Email: stellawong@occasionspr.com
Email: jadeliu@occasionspr.com
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12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026 Announces Key Speakers and Agenda Highlights
The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics brings the spirit of The Peninsula's acclaimed international motoring gatherings to Hong Kong, featuring rare classic icons and regional premieres in a signature garden party setting.
HONG KONG, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, The Repulse Bay will bring the spirit of The Peninsula's acclaimed international motoring gatherings to Hong Kong with The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics, on 7 November, a sophisticated garden party celebrating exceptional automobiles and refined hospitality. Tickets are now available: https://www.therepulsebay.com/en/the-repulse-bay-motoring-classics.
Showcase of Timeless Classics and Regional Premieres
A distinguished collection of 26 classic cars will be showcased at The Repulse Bay Arcade, spanning Pre-War Oldtimers (1920s – 1940s), Golden Vintage (1950s – 1960s) and Modern Classics (1970s – 1990s). What's more, exclusive regional premieres from the world's most prestigious automotive marques are also highly anticipated, including the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster and the Lamborghini Revuelto SV, while the Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II will make its Hong Kong debut. Aston Martin, Bentley and Porsche will also present rare and exceptional automobiles.
A Lavish Garden Party Experience
Guests can indulge in a lavish garden party featuring sumptuous gourmet canapés from The Repulse Bay Arcade restaurants including The Verandah and Spices, alongside signature dishes from Bakeshop Parabolica, Kuma and gróa. Delivered with The Repulse Bay's signature hospitality, the gastronomic experience will pair with free-flow Moët & Chandon Champagne, The Peninsula Sparkling Tea and other premium beverages such as Mortlach single malt Scotch whisky and Tanqueray gin, complemented by live entertainment by OnPoint and DJ JANE KI, a panel discussion and exclusive programming.
Exclusive Horology and Grand Prize Experiences
On top of the automotive lineup, renowned luxury houses A. Lange & Söhne and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will display highly sought-after timepieces, highlighting the shared artistry and precision of fine horology and motoring.
Adding to the excitement, ticket holders will have the opportunity to win an exclusive global motorsports experience. The grand prize is a trip for two to The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering 2027 in Carmel, California, including two credentials and round-trip flights for two (valued at HK$93,000). The second prize is a trip for two to the BOSOSAI 2026 by The Magarigawa Club in Chiba, Japan, including two VIP tickets with access to the Clubhouse and a two-night stay at The Peninsula Tokyo (valued at HK$25,100). Terms and conditions apply.
"The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics builds on our group's long-standing motoring heritage and brings it to Hong Kong in a fresh and distinctive way," said Joseph W.Y. Chong, Managing Director of The Repulse Bay. "With exceptional automobiles, refined hospitality and a garden party setting, the event reflects what The Repulse Bay does best – bringing people together through memorable experiences."
The Repulse Bay Motoring Classics
Date : Saturday, 7 November 2026
Time : 2 – 6:30pm
Location : The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong
Price : HK$850/adult; HK$425/child of 5 – 11 years old (Limited Availability)
Tickets : https://www.therepulsebay.com/en/the-repulse-bay-motoring-classics
Featured Automotive Brands (in alphabetical order):
| Aston Martin | Founded in 1913 and located in Gaydon, England, Aston
Martin is one of the world's most desirable ultra-luxury
British automotive brands. The Valhalla, its first mid-engine
plug-in hybrid supercar, is limited to 999 units globally.
Inspired by the Valkyrie and Formula 1® technology, it is
powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric
motors, generating 1,079 PS, with 0-100 km/h in 2.5
seconds. |
| Bentley | Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, Bentley Motors remains
the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the
world's most desirable high performance grand tourers. The
luxury marque is creating a future driven by new
technologies, materials, fuels and dedicated craftsmanship,
in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the
highest levels of sustainable luxury mobility are achieved.
Begin your extraordinary journey and discover the new
Bentley. |
| Lamborghini | With the Revuelto SV, Lamborghini opens a new chapter in
its legendary Super Veloce lineage. Produced in a limited
series of 1,963 units, a tribute to the year Automobili
Lamborghini was founded, the Revuelto SV is reserved for
the brand's most loyal customers and collectors. It represents
an unprecedented evolution in performance, combining the
power of a V12 hybrid with uncompromising racing DNA
to deliver a super sportscar experience on an entirely new
level. The SV variant further optimizes every detail—from
aerodynamics to power delivery—reaching a maximum
output of 1,065 CV and a class-leading 1,425 Nm of system
torque, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4
seconds. The Revuelto SV is the most powerful and fastest
production Lamborghini. |
| Pagani | Inspired by the racing cars of the 1950s and '60s, the Huayra
Codalunga Speedster is Horacio Pagani's tribute to essential
beauty: pure, light, and fluid. Sculpted to elongate its
silhouette, it combines refined materials, exceptional
craftsmanship, an 864 HP Pagani V12 engine and a 7-speed
manual gearbox. Created by the Grandi Complicazioni
division, each car takes shape through a direct dialogue with
its owner. |
| Porsche | For over six decades, the Porsche 911 has captivated
generations with its timeless design, unmistakable silhouette
and continuous evolution. Celebrating this enduring icon,
discover a showcase of classic 911s alongside the debut of
the Team Jebsen 911 GT3 Cup Car, bringing together
heritage, performance and passion. |
| Rolls-Royce | Making its Hong Kong debut, Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II
is a landmark super coupé, elevated with enhanced
performance and precision engineering. A triumph of
timeless design, it delivers a profoundly responsive drive
and controlled athleticism. Crafted with Rolls-Royce's
enduring legacy, Spectre Series II is destined to become a
future classic. |
Aston Martin
Founded in 1913 and located in Gaydon, England, Aston
Martin is one of the world's most desirable ultra-luxury
British automotive brands. The Valhalla, its first mid-engine
plug-in hybrid supercar, is limited to 999 units globally.
Inspired by the Valkyrie and Formula 1® technology, it is
powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric
motors, generating 1,079 PS, with 0-100 km/h in 2.5
seconds.
Bentley
Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, Bentley Motors remains
the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the
world's most desirable high performance grand tourers. The
luxury marque is creating a future driven by new
technologies, materials, fuels and dedicated craftsmanship,
in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the
highest levels of sustainable luxury mobility are achieved.
Begin your extraordinary journey and discover the new
Bentley.
Lamborghini
With the Revuelto SV, Lamborghini opens a new chapter in
its legendary Super Veloce lineage. Produced in a limited
series of 1,963 units, a tribute to the year Automobili
Lamborghini was founded, the Revuelto SV is reserved for
the brand's most loyal customers and collectors. It represents
an unprecedented evolution in performance, combining the
power of a V12 hybrid with uncompromising racing DNA
to deliver a super sportscar experience on an entirely new
level. The SV variant further optimizes every detail—from
aerodynamics to power delivery—reaching a maximum
output of 1,065 CV and a class-leading 1,425 Nm of system
torque, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4
seconds. The Revuelto SV is the most powerful and fastest
production Lamborghini.
Pagani
Inspired by the racing cars of the 1950s and '60s, the Huayra
Codalunga Speedster is Horacio Pagani's tribute to essential
beauty: pure, light, and fluid. Sculpted to elongate its
silhouette, it combines refined materials, exceptional
craftsmanship, an 864 HP Pagani V12 engine and a 7-speed
manual gearbox. Created by the Grandi Complicazioni
division, each car takes shape through a direct dialogue with
its owner.
Porsche
For over six decades, the Porsche 911 has captivated
generations with its timeless design, unmistakable silhouette
and continuous evolution. Celebrating this enduring icon,
discover a showcase of classic 911s alongside the debut of
the Team Jebsen 911 GT3 Cup Car, bringing together
heritage, performance and passion.
Rolls-Royce
Making its Hong Kong debut, Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II
is a landmark super coupé, elevated with enhanced
performance and precision engineering. A triumph of
timeless design, it delivers a profoundly responsive drive
and controlled athleticism. Crafted with Rolls-Royce's
enduring legacy, Spectre Series II is destined to become a
future classic.
Download high resolution images here.
The Repulse Bay
Telephone: +852 2292 2888
Email: info@therepulsebay.com | Website: www.therepulsebay.com
Facebook: therepulsebay | Instagram: therepulsebayhongkong
About The Repulse Bay
The Repulse Bay combines the charm and elegance of a bygone era with a vibrant, contemporary resort lifestyle. The historic, beachfront landmark surrounded by lush gardens occupies the site of the former Repulse Bay Hotel, just 15 minutes from the city. A commercial and residential destination, The Repulse Bay is home to The Repulse Bay Arcade, featuring a curated selection of destination shops and restaurants, including The Verandah, Spices, gróa, Curry Up, UNDERCOVER and Hong Kong's only official HUMAN MADE store. The property also includes The Repulse Bay Apartments, comprising 402 luxury apartments with extensive recreational offerings. At the heart of the community is The Club, a 61,000-square-foot clubhouse with comprehensive facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, fitness and Pilates studios, children's playrooms, and versatile multi-purpose spaces. Distinctive event venues offering panoramic sea views provide an exceptional setting for corporate functions, weddings and social celebrations. Owned and operated by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, The Repulse Bay is a gathering place for the Southside community, a beloved destination for Hong Kong residents and a "must see" attraction for visitors to the territory. For more information, please visit www.therepulsebay.com.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
![[PUBLIC SALE STARTS TODAY] THE REPULSE BAY TO HOST PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE GARDEN PARTY IN HONG KONG ON 7 NOVEMBER](https://image.bastillepost.com/480x/wp-content/uploads/global/2026/10/media_MS2005844_20261009045235EDT_image_1.jpg.webp)
[PUBLIC SALE STARTS TODAY] THE REPULSE BAY TO HOST PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE GARDEN PARTY IN HONG KONG ON 7 NOVEMBER
