by Xinhua writers Guo Yuqi and Zheng Jingxia

MACAO, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting convened on Saturday in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), bringing together tourism officials from the 21 member economies to discuss the future of regional tourism cooperation.

Under the theme of "Digital Innovation, Collaborative Empowerment: Leveraging Tourism for an Asia-Pacific Community," delegates discussed ways to harness digital innovation and deeper collaboration to boost the region's tourism sector.

REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

As tourism continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific, delegates broadly agreed that stronger connectivity and policy coordination remain key to sustaining the industry's momentum.

Alongside the ministerial meeting, the 67th APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting was held from Wednesday to Thursday in the Macao SAR.

Julia Jesus Caldas Ramirez, head of the Peruvian delegation, said the APEC tourism working group meeting helps economies align priorities and translate them into practical initiatives. She added that the exchanges help people foster respect and appreciation for different histories and cultural backgrounds. "It goes beyond tourism itself."

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia Tiong King Sing told Xinhua that better air connectivity, multi-destination travel, and the sharing of best practices among APEC economies would help make the Asia-Pacific a more attractive destination for tourism.

Several attendees pointed out that travel facilitation was a foundation for deeper tourism cooperation. Irina Kozlova, delegate of the Russian Federation, said measures such as electronic visas and visa exemptions have made travel easier and strengthened cultural exchanges, which she described as "a bridge" connecting economies.

"We are looking at how seamless travel can be facilitated and how the visa issue can be addressed across the region," said Sarah Wang, regional director for Asia of World Travel & Tourism Council.

SMARTER TOURISM

In Wang's view, technologies such as AI are transforming tourism across the entire travel chain, from trip planning and border management to destination management through data-driven insights.

Minister of Tourism of Indonesia Widiyanti Putri Wardhana underscored the role of digital technologies in creating seamless travel experiences. Technologies can enhance the visitor experience through easier access, faster immigration services, and more convenient payment systems, she said.

Delegates also mentioned that technology should enhance, rather than replace, the human side of tourism.

Noting China has done well with smart attractions, digital payments, AI services, and modern transport, Tiong underlined that as tourism becomes more competitive, economies need to embrace innovation. He also pointed out that though technology is an important tool, warm service and human connection are still the heart of hospitality.

Caldas said that one of China's efforts that other economies can follow, in the area of digital innovation, is its capacity-building for small and medium-sized enterprises and other local communities, so they are included in the sector.

In Peru's case, she continued, smart tourism can help villages, rural areas, and living cultures to "grow in a way that is sustainable" while preserving and conserving the spaces and the people.

BEYOND MEETING

Macao -- as a "guest economy" under the designation "Macao, China" -- participated in the working group meeting and delivered a presentation, providing an overview of the current situation and future direction of its tourism industry.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, sees the event as an opportunity to showcase Macao's hospitality and capability, local cuisine, creative industries, and the integration of Chinese and Western cultures.

On Sunday, the delegates had a chance to tour the city. From an exhibition on ancient China and cultural creative products to making local snacks, and to a touch of history at the Macao Museum, the guests experienced various aspects of Macao.

China, as the APEC host in 2026, will hold the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, in November. ■