Macao Tourism And MICE Product Updates: New Era Of Global Tourism Through Macao And Indonesia Collaboration

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - In the midst of a rich cultural pulse and dynamic business rhythm, an exciting new chapter in global tourism will soon open up with the implementation of the 'Macao Tourism and MICE Product Updates'. It also marks the inauguration of Macao and Jakarta direct flights by Air Macau which have paved the way for a transformative collaboration.

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) teamed up with Air Macau, organizing delegates representing the trade, MICE, and Macau tourism sectors, as well as Chinese retunes. The delegation went to Jakarta to promote and socialize destinations, which consisted of a series of events including presentations, networking dinners, and minimarkets, all aimed at promoting Macau as a multi-asset destination for tourism, MICE, and trade.

The event was attended by Deputy Director of MGTO Dr Cheng Wai Tong, Executive Director of IPIM Vong Sin Man, President of the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASTINDO) Pauline Suharno, and Daily Chair of the Association of Indonesian Exhibition Companies to Become Rajagukguk.

MGTO is at the forefront of branding destinations, strategically targeting various visitor markets to attract more international tourists to visit Macao. The Indonesian market is the main focus, with MGTO inviting Indonesian tourism delegations in July to get to know and network. In August, MGTO actively participated in the "ASTINDO Travel Fair" in Indonesia, in order to attract quality tourism in Macao.

An interesting collaboration took place between ASTINDO (Indonesian Travel Agent Association Association Association Association Association) which aims to form a Macao and Indonesia tourism experience. Meanwhile, ASTINDO and MLTSIA (Macao Leisure Tourism Services Innovation Association) have started an innovation journey by turning on creativity in terms of recreational tourism services. Another alliance is Asian Links with Top Holiday. This alliance symbolizes joint efforts to increase tourism, facilitate cooperation, and improve coordination in Macao tourism.

In this event, representatives from ASTINDO, MTAA, and MLTSIA gathered not only to make an agreement, but also as a symbol of one common goal and commitment in advancing tourism cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth between Macao and Indonesia.

Representing those who signed the MoU between ASTINDO, MTAA, and MLTSIA were Pauline Suharno (ASTINDO President), totaling Lao (Vice Chair of MTAA), and Paul Wong (MLTSIA President). Meanwhile, representing the MoU signing ceremony between Asian Link, Top Holiday - P&E International Travel Co, Ltd are Andy Wong (Director of Asian Link Travel Services) and Senna Wong (Deputy General Manager of Top Holiday-P&E International Travel Co, Ltd).

The main goal of signing this MoU is to encourage tourism growth between Macao and Indonesia. The parties who are working together have the aim of establishing mechanisms for cooperation, communication, and tourism coordination, exploring new tourism projects, facilitating cooperation in tourism investment and financing, and organizing promotional events as key projects in Macao and Indonesia.

Macao Tourism and MICE Product Updates revealed dynamic innovation in Tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Products. This is the spearhead of Macao's commitment to tourism excellence, both for business and entertainment purposes, where each event becomes a masterpiece.

A total of 104 participants joined the presentation of Macao Tourism and MICE Product Updates, networking lunch, and minimart, including the Macao delegation and representatives from the Indonesian tourism, MICE and trade sectors as well as the media. MGTO and IPIM present Macao's current situation and advantage in tourism, MICE, and trade to around 60 Indonesian trade and media participants, highlighting elements of "tourism + MICE".

Industry participants from both sides are connected and exploring business opportunities to increase visits. This collaborative narrative is a new era in global tourism, where Macao emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration.

Dr. Cheng Wai Tong as Deputy Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), stated that based on the huge potential for Southeast Asian travel markets, Indonesia is ranked third among Macao's international tourism markets and sixth among 10 leading tourist markets. According to the number of temporary visits from January to November 2023, Macao welcomed around 120 thousand tourists from Indonesia.

"We see great potential in this collaboration, especially in the development of new tourism projects. By opening direct Macao-Jakarta flights, we have opened the door to sustainable growth between the two destinations," he said.

MGTO will continue to actively seek opportunities for cooperation between Macao and Indonesia.

"We are excited to announce that we plan to hold a 'The Experience Macao' roadshow in Jakarta next year, in collaboration with our tourism industry partners. This event will bring a number of surprises to Indonesian citizens, strengthening cultural exchanges and tourism ties between the two countries." he concluded.