The small, yet vibrant region full of live and dynamic business atmosphere called Macao, is set to inaugurate a new phase in global tourism with the Macao Tourism and MIICE Product Updates. With the recent launch of direct flights between Macao and Jakarta by Air Macau, a new groundwork for transformative partnerships amongst the two countries has been opened.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Air Macau have sent their representative to Jakarta to promote and introduce Macao as a multifaceted destination of travel and commerce. The event was held on Wednesday, 29 November 2023 at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta, featuring presentations, networking sessions, and discussions aimed at showcasing Macao’s business potential and enticing attractions.
The discussions mainly focused on the Indonesian market, with MGTO engaging Indonesian travel trade in various events, including participation in the “ASTINDO Travel Fair” and inviting Indonesian delegates for familiarisation tours. Collaborations between Indonesian and Macao travel associations, such as ASTINDO, MTAA, and MLTSIA are highly anticipated as they aim to facilitate seamless travel experiences and innovate leisure tourism services.
There was a symbolic ceremony to sanctify agreements between these associations, signifying a shared commitment to advance tourism cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth between Macao and Indonesia. Notable figures representing the signing of agreements included Pauline Suharno (ASTINDO President), Teresa Lao (MTAA Vice Chairman), and Paul Wong (MLTSIA President).
The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) was signed to stimulate inbound and outbound tourism, establish joint mechanisms for cooperation, explore new tourism projects, and organise promotional events in both Macao and Indonesia. The updates in Macao’s Tourism and MICE products represent its dedication to excellence in leisure and business tourism.
Dr. Cheng Wai Tong of MGTO also highlighted the significant potential in the collaboration, especially regarding the Southeast Asian travel market. According to provisional visitor figures from January to November 2023, Macao has welcomed approximately 120 thousand visitors from Indonesia, thanking the country third among Macao’s international visitor markets. Plans for ‘The Experience Macao’ roadshow in Jakarta aim to strengthen cultural exchange and tourism ties between the two countries.
The collaborative narrative between Macao and Indonesia sets the stage for a new era in global tourism, emphasising Macao’s emergence as an innovative and collaborative tourism destination. MGTO remains committed to seeking further collaboration opportunities, anticipating a promising future in tourism between the two countries.
