Recently released global statistics show that Macau is growing in popularity as a MICE destination, in spite of current market conditions. In 2008, the total number of events held in Macau was 1,240, up by 5.35% on 2007. Of these events, corporate meetings grew by 11.83% and trade shows and exhibitions grew by a massive 53.85%…
Recently released global statistics show that Macau is growing in popularity as a MICE destination, in spite of current market conditions. In 2008, the total number of events held in Macau was 1,240, up by 5.35% on 2007. Of these events, corporate meetings grew by 11.83% and trade shows and exhibitions grew by a massive 53.85%. Overall, the number of participants in events in Macau grew last year by 20.64%, with participants in trade shows and exhibitions up a staggering 76.17%.
Macau has been a key meeting venue for travellers and traders since the 16th century, when it became a crossroads for cultures and commerce. The harmony of Portuguese and Chinese heritage is now overlaid with an exciting range of new hotels and attractions, including a dramatic increase in the number and diversity of high quality meetings and events space such as the forthcoming Macau Science Centre, due to open in December 2009 and the recently opened integrated resort City of Dreams, which includes three international hotel brands: Crown Towers, Hard Rock Hotel and Grand Hyatt.
Furthermore, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Macau as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China and to further stimulate visitor arrivals to the destination, The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is making a major commitment to the meetings and events market with a “Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Programme.” Designed to assist meeting organisers and event planners, it represents a substantial investment of approximately £3.3 million pounds and includes a range of packages and incentives for organisers who book confirmed events by December 31, 2009.
This MICE Programme is part of a wider £14 million pound Macau Government initiative to promote the development of travel and tourism in Macau, and maintain the momentum and competitive edge it has been building as an international destination.
With the range and quality of meetings and events space it offers, meeting planners are spoilt for choice in Macau. From the spectacular Macau Tower (the 10th tallest in the world), to a range of world class luxury hotels, including The Venetian which has played host to many top international events and awards ceremonies, plus a varied plethora of other venues, from the super-modern to the more traditional, Macau has something to suit every style and pocket. A diverse, fascinating, historical and surprising destination, Macau lives up to its promotional tagline: “A world of difference, the difference is Macau”.
Macau Government Tourist Office director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes says, “The outstanding MICE figures achieved in 2008 show how much Macau has to offer in terms of meetings and events. We are sparing no effort in the development of tourism in Macau and with ongoing exciting infrastructure developments, Macau is a winning choice for event organisers.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
