APEC Tourism Ministers Back Digital Innovation to Drive Sustainable Growth Across Asia Pacific
APEC tourism ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to using digital innovation, regional cooperation and sustainable tourism practices to strengthen one of the Asia Pacific's most important economic sectors while creating new opportunities for businesses, workers and local communities.
MACAO – Tourism ministers from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have endorsed a Chair's Statement outlining a shared vision to harness digital innovation, strengthen regional collaboration and promote sustainable tourism as a driver of long term economic growth.
Meeting under the theme "Digital Innovation, Collaborative Empowerment: Leveraging Tourism for an Asia-Pacific Community", ministers reaffirmed tourism's vital contribution to economic development, employment, cultural exchange and regional prosperity.
The statement places digital transformation at the centre of tourism's future, recognising that technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital platforms and smart tourism solutions can improve visitor experiences, enhance destination management and create new business opportunities, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises.
Ministers agreed to advance digital transformation in line with the APEC AI Initiative 2026–2030, ensuring that the benefits of emerging technologies are widely shared across the region while helping businesses integrate more effectively into tourism value chains.
The ministers also highlighted the importance of making travel across the Asia Pacific more secure, seamless and convenient through stronger regional cooperation and improved travel facilitation measures.
Recognising the rapid pace of technological change, the statement calls for greater investment in workforce development, lifelong learning and digital skills to ensure workers are equipped for an increasingly technology driven tourism industry. Ministers stressed that innovation should complement, rather than replace, employment opportunities while supporting inclusive economic growth.
Environmental sustainability also featured prominently in the discussions. Member economies committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that conserve biodiversity, improve resource efficiency and encourage investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure capable of supporting future growth while protecting natural and cultural assets.
The statement reinforces APEC's broader objective of building an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia Pacific community under the Putrajaya Vision 2040, with tourism recognised as an important contributor to regional integration and economic resilience.
As international travel continues to recover, APEC economies said stronger public private cooperation, digital innovation and sustainable development will be critical to ensuring the tourism sector remains competitive while delivering long term benefits to businesses, local communities and travellers across the region.
