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December 6, 2025Harbin, 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.Advertisement Harbin’s Winter Wonderland: The Heart of Heilongjiang’s Tourism StrategyHarbin 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 touri …
