Jakarta, June 28 -- Digital innovation, seamless travel, and stronger regional cooperation took center stage as APEC tourism ministers met in Macao, China, to chart the next phase of tourism growth across the Asia-Pacific.

"The tourism sector is instrumental in meeting people's aspirations for a better life, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural exchanges, while playing a unique role in advancing the building of an Asia-Pacific community," China's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sun Yeli, said in a statement published on the APEC website on Sunday.

Sun made the remarks while opening the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao.

He outlined three priorities to deepen regional tourism cooperation, accelerating digital innovat...