The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) held its annual Meet in Macau
promotion in Kuala Lumpur on July 20 with the theme “Open Doors For Success Today.” This is the fourth year MGTO has organised the event in Malaysia, with the objective of gathering together tourism industry representatives from Macau to meet, discuss and exchange ideas so as to further strengthen business ties with travel agents, tour operators and MICE planners in Malaysia.

Led by Licenio da Cunha, Head of Macau Business Tourism Centre (MBTC), a delegation of 14 Macau travel industry partners representing hotels, convention and exhibition venues, travel agencies, event and destination management companies, had a one-to-one business meeting with Malaysian MICE and travel trade buyers. The MGTO also hosted a business luncheon for corporate guests, associations and the media

Guests at the Meet in Macau presentation of “Open Doors to Success Today” in Kuala Lumpur.

Representatives of Macau Government Tourist Office led by Licenio L.M. da Cunha (second from Left) at a networking corporate luncheon for tourism and MICE buyers from Malaysia and the media.

To encourage more international companies to host events in Macau, MGTO has extended its “Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Programme” to December 31 which is aimed at maintaining Macau’s competitiveness as a MICE destination. The programme was first launched in May 2009. Depending on the category, organisers can enjoy support related to accommodation, food and beverage, site inspections and bidding costs. To qualify, the organisers need to bring in a minimum of 50 participants, and stay two consecutive nights in Macau.

In terms of business tourism, about 397 events were held in Macau in the first quarter of 2010, up by 4% year-on-year, drawing 92,737 participants. (In 2009, there were 1,485 events held in Macau, drawing 660,880 participants). These numbers comprise of association meetings, corporate meetings, incentive travel, exhibitions and expos.

This year, from January to June, Macau welcomed 12.2 million of tourist arrivals –
Malaysia contributed 170,388 visitors. This actually makes Malaysia the 5th largest visitor generating market for Macau. For 2010, the Malaysian MICE market to Macau is forecasted to grow at 50% higher than 2009.