Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, will be the stage for the 2025 edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), an influential gathering designed to power the global tourism economy. Scheduled for December 15 to 17, 2025, the event will attract over 1,000 guests, including top government officials, cultural leaders, and executives from leading tourism and hospitality enterprises. The theme for this year’s forum is “New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy,” with a specific focus on enhancing cultural tourism and fostering international cooperation.
As the first time the GTEF is hosted outside of Macao, this move to Harbin reflects the growing prominence of Heilongjiang as a leading cultural tourism hub. The province, particularly known for its iconic winter attractions, is leveraging its unique ice and snow resources to position itself as a year-round destination for global travellers.
Harbin’s Winter Wonderland: The Heart of Heilongjiang’s Tourism Strategy
Harbin is known for its dramatic winters and stunning ice and snow festivals. The province’s tourism sector has experienced impressive growth in recent years, with the 2024 figures showing a 29.1 percent increase in the number of visitors. Heilongjiang is positioning itself as a year-round destination, attracting travellers with its winter sports, wellness retreats, and eco-tourism experiences. The province’s dual tourism campaigns—one promoting its summer coolness and the other its winter wonderland—have expanded its tourism offerings and extended the visitor season.
The success of Heilongjiang’s tourism promotion is evident in its growing international appeal. In 2024, the province recorded 1.2 million international visitors, a remarkable 95.4 percent increase compared to previous years. This growth highlights the region’s potential to attract international tourists, especially those seeking unique winter experiences. The GTEF 2025 will serve as a key platform to further elevate Heilongjiang’s tourism profile on the global stage, fostering cross-border partnerships and showcasing the province’s tourism innovations.
Fostering Global Collaboration at the GTEF 2025
The Global Tourism Economy Forum serves as a major international event for the tourism and cultural sectors. It has gained significant recognition for promoting collaboration between industry leaders, government representatives, and cultural innovators. This year, the GTEF 2025 will focus on Heilongjiang’s innovative tourism model, which has successfully combined the allure of winter sports with eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and cultural experiences.
The forum’s agenda will feature four main pillars: the Ice-Snow Economy & Industrial Innovation, Cultural Empowerment & Brand Building, Investment Leadership & Project Development, and Cross-Border Collaboration & Cooperation Opportunities. These topics aim to strengthen global tourism ties and highlight investment opportunities in Heilongjiang’s emerging tourism economy. The GTEF will host a variety of activities, including keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, cultural showcases, and investment promotion sessions. These initiatives will offer a high-calibre platform for international participants to explore investment opportunities in Heilongjiang’s tourism industry, fostering partnerships and showcasing cutting-edge tourism innovations.
Harbin’s Attractions and Winter Tourism Appeal
During the GTEF 2025, attendees will have the opportunity to experience Harbin’s winter attractions firsthand. The city, often referred to as China’s “Ice City,” is renowned for its Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, which features magnificent ice art, winter sports events, and spectacular light displays. Guests will explore the city’s vibrant cultural offerings and observe the region’s tourism development projects, including new infrastructure aimed at boosting the winter tourism experience.
In addition to its famous ice festivals, Harbin also offers diverse experiences, from visits to the Harbin Ice Festival to cultural attractions like the Saint Sophia Cathedral and Harbin Polarland. With a unique mix of Russian and Chinese influences, Harbin’s cultural scene adds a distinctive touch to its winter offerings, making it a must-visit destination for international travellers.
Heilongjiang’s Growth as a Tourism Hub
Heilongjiang’s tourism sector has become a shining example of how a region can transform its unique resources into a global tourism asset. The province’s successful focus on cultural and natural tourism has paved the way for substantial increases in tourism-related revenue, with a 67.1 percent year-on-year rise in total tourism spending. Its ability to offer both winter sports and eco-tourism experiences throughout the year has positioned Heilongjiang as a versatile destination for a wide range of global tourists.
In 2025, the GTEF will showcase Heilongjiang’s comprehensive tourism model, which blends innovation, sustainability, and cultural richness. With a growing number of international tourists, the province has the potential to become one of China’s premier year-round tourism destinations, attracting visitors for everything from winter activities to eco-tourism and wellness retreats.
Heilongjiang’s Role in Shaping Global Tourism’s Future
The Global Tourism Economy Forum 2025 marks a milestone in Heilongjiang’s rise as a global tourism hub. With the focus on winter tourism and cultural exchange, the forum will not only spotlight Harbin’s seasonal attractions but also highlight the region’s ability to serve as a year-round destination. As the global tourism industry continues to recover and evolve, the GTEF will serve as a vital platform for fostering international collaboration and investment, ensuring that destinations like Heilongjiang continue to thrive on the world stage.
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