Macau is set to enhance its appeal to European tourists with the support of Portugal, as highlighted by the director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. The upcoming semi-annual meeting of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) in June 2025 is expected to be a pivotal event in this initiative.
Portugal As A Gateway To Europe
The collaboration with the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT) has been instrumental in establishing connections with ECTAA, paving the way for increased European tourism.
The ECTAA meeting scheduled for June 2025 in Macau marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind held outside Europe since Kuala Lumpur in 2019. Although attendance is expected to be under 100, the representatives will collectively represent around 80,000 travel agencies across Europe.
Promoting Macau’s Tourism Offerings
Following the ECTAA meeting, the MGTO anticipates a stronger European presence at the Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) and increased opportunities to promote Macau’s tourism offerings in Europe. The MGTO will also participate in major international tourism fairs, including the Madrid International Tourism Trade Fair and ITB Berlin, to further enhance its outreach.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Despite the focus on attracting European tourists, the MGTO acknowledges that Macau will continue to rely heavily on Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year period from January 28 to February 4, 2025. During this time, an average of 185,000 visitors per day is expected, with only a small fraction being international tourists.
The highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations will be the Lunar New Year Parade on January 31, featuring performances from various international groups, including local Portuguese-speaking representatives. This event aims to showcase Macau’s cultural diversity and attract attention from potential visitors.
