APEC Tourism in Macao: The 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting opened in Macao on June 27 under “Digital Innovation, Collaborative Empowerment,” with delegates discussing sustainable tourism, travel facilitation and new Asia-Pacific cooperation paths. Local Tourism Capacity: Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai used the welcome dinner to pitch the SAR as ready for deeper APEC exchanges and to help open new regional tourism avenues. APEC Working Group Prep: Ahead of the ministerial gathering, the APEC Tourism Working Group met in Macao, focusing on digital transformation, human capital, competitiveness and sustainable tourism, with Macao sharing its “tourism+” and smart tourism plans plus a 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Vehicle Retail Expansion: Li Auto officially entered the Macao market, opening its first retail center at Gold Island with localized product adaptations to meet local requirements. Gaming Workforce & AI Rules: A Macau lawmaker urged faster AI legislation, including clear legal definitions for robots and their rights/duties, warning that gaming and tourism automation is moving faster than reskilling. Employment Snapshot: Macao’s March–May 2026 employment survey showed local unemployment at 2.3% (unchanged) and underemployment at 2.4% (up 0.2 points). Regional Industry Signals: China’s major industrial firms reported profits up 18.8% in Jan–May, with manufacturing and mining both rising—an upbeat backdrop for regional supply chains.