Wednesday, August 28, 2024 The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), in collaboration with local travel industry stakeholders, is actively promoting Macao at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2024, currently taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. This initiative is part of MGTO’s ongoing efforts to expand Macao’s reach in international visitor markets. A key moment at the event was the PATA Gold Awards 2024 ceremony, held today (28 August), where MGTO and two Macao tourism operators were honored.
MGTO continues to enhance Macao’s image as a vibrant international metropolis. Showcasing Macao’s “Tourism +” at PATA Travel Mart 2024 MGTO Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, is leading a delegation of 13 representatives from Macao’s hotels and travel agencies at the PATA Travel Mart 2024 in Bangkok. She was also among the dignitaries at the event’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, sharing the stage with PATA Chair Peter Semone, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid, and Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
The MGTO promotional booth at the trade show is designed around the number “8,” symbolizing infinity and extending a warm invitation to all visitors to explore Macao. The booth prominently features Macao’s top “Tourism +” attractions, including the Historic Centre of Macao and its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. It also serves as a hub for MGTO and Macao’s travel industry to engage with global counterparts, with a special focus on the Thai market due to the event’s location in Bangkok.
The PATA Travel Mart (PTM), now in its 47th edition, is a premier international travel trade show in the Asia-Pacific region. PTM 2024, held from 27 to 29 August, brings together over 900 delegates from 45 countries and regions. The event includes pre-arranged business meetings and a forum addressing key topics like cybersecurity in the travel industry and the evolving landscape of Chinese tourism.
Macao Shines at PATA Gold Awards 2024 A highlight of PTM is the PATA Gold Awards – Lunch and Award Presentation, hosted by MGTO for nearly 30 years. Today’s ceremony, where MGTO Director, the PATA Chair, and the PATA CEO presented the awards, celebrated the achievements of this year’s winners, including MGTO and two Macao integrated resorts. MGTO was awarded the PATA Gold Award in the Human Capital Development Initiative category, recognizing its decade-long efforts in collaboration with various entities to provide free training, qualifications, and accreditation opportunities aimed at enhancing service quality in Macao’s tourism sector.
Additionally, Melco Resorts and Entertainment received a PATA Gold Award for Marketing – Hospitality for their 2023 campaign centered around the opening of the indoor water park at Studio City, while Galaxy Entertainment Group was honored with a PATA Gold Award for Youth Empowerment Initiative, acknowledging their long-standing efforts to nurture young talent in Macao. This year’s winners were selected from over 100 entries submitted by 47 travel and tourism organizations and individuals, with the PATA Gold Awards serving as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry. MGTO has supported these awards since 1996, contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism in the region.
Strengthening Macao’s Global Tourism Presence Following PTM, MGTO Director, as a PATA Life Member, will attend the PATA Board Meeting on 30 August in Bangkok. For decades, PATA has provided a crucial platform for Macao to connect with the global tourism industry. In May 2024, MGTO hosted the PATA Annual Summit, showcasing Macao’s latest developments as a “Tourism + MICE” destination, further boosting the city’s international profile post-pandemic.
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