The APEC Tourism Working Group (TWG) was formed in 1991 as a platform for tourism administrators of APEC economies to share information, exchange views and develop areas of cooperation in tourism, trade and policies to support growth in the region through travel and tourism.
The APEC Tourism Working Group (TWG) was formed in 1991 as a platform for tourism administrators of APEC economies to share information, exchange views and develop areas of cooperation in tourism, trade and policies to support growth in the region through travel and tourism.
The tourism sector is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the world. Although it was severely impacted by the pandemic, it is now recovering rapidly and showing signs of becoming stronger than ever. The total number of global tourist arrivals achieved a record high in 2024 at 1.46 billion people, returning to pre-Covid level. The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest growth in terms of tourist arrivals and tourism receipts:
- 317.54 million international tourist arrivals in 2024 – up 34 per cent compared to the previous year and accounting for 21.7 per cent of global tourism arrivals.
- USD422.9billion in receipts in 2024 – up 24 per cent compared to the previous year and accounting for 20.6 per cent of global tourism receipts.
In 2025, the TWG endorsed its APEC TWG Strategic Plan 2025-2029, covering four priority areas with the following objectives:
- Digital transformation: Facilitate the uptake of digital and innovative technologies, including digital platforms, across the travel and tourism supply chain to meet and exceed visitor expectations, increase competitiveness, and expand the benefits of travel and tourism to the entire community.
- Human capital development: Support the development of skills and capabilities (including digital literacy) of employers and employees to deliver high quality visitor experiences and create career pathways.
- Travel facilitation and competitiveness: Support the strengthening of transport connectivity to meet visitor demand and enhance regional access; work with relevant authorities to provide secure, efficient and positive visitor experiences at entry and exit.
- Sustainable tourism and economic growth
- Communicate the importance of travel and tourism as an economic driver in APEC economies; and promote better understanding and recognition of travel and tourism as an engine for growth in the APEC region.
- Maximize the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to employment, economic growth, environmental protection and resilience, cultural and natural heritage preservation and inclusiveness to create economic and social benefits for all, including MSMEs, women, Indigenous Peoples as appropriate, people with disabilities and those from remote and rural communities, as well as formal growth.
Last page update: March 2026
Contacts
Lead Shepherd
Philippine Department of Tourism
Deputy Lead Shepherd
International Tourism Division
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Program Director
Current Activities
2026 Activities
The 13th Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM13)
The TMM13 will be held in June 2026 in Macao, China.
The 67th TWG Plenary Meeting (TWG67)
The TWG67 will be held in June 2026 in Macao, China.
The 68th TWG Plenary Meeting (TWG68)
The TWG6 will be held in Papua New Guinea.
Publications in 2025
- Impact of Creative Economies on the Future of Tourism in the APEC Region | APEC
- Identification and Analysis of Guidelines Implemented for the Development of the Meetings Industry in the APEC Region | APEC
- Study to Generate Digital Tools for the Transition to Formal Economy of Tourism Businesses in the Asia-Pacific Region | APEC
- Emissions Reduction in Tourism for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage | APEC
- The Handbook on Sustainable Tourism Management in Conservation, Fragile and Protected Areas | APEC