Organized for the first time by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), coordinated by Macau Travel Agency Association and supported by China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the 4th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (“MITE”) was unveiled at Hall D, Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao this morning (2 September). The Expo presents “China – Portugal Tourism Seminar & Networking” as a new program highlight this year. Distinguished speakers are also invited to present special topics such as the new trends of Free Independent Travel (FIT) in the Asia-Pacific region and smart tourism.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Dr. Alexis Tam, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Yao Jian, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Cai Siping, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Affairs on Tourism of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of CNTA, Wu Kefeng, Acting Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Wai Cheng Iong, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, President of the Alliance of Macau Tourism Industry, David Chow Kam Fai, and President of Macau Travel Agency Association, the coordinating entity of the Expo, Lao Nga Wong, as well as representatives of the event co-organizers and media partners. The co-organizers include the Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Federation of Trade Unions, the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau, the Women’s General Association of Macau, Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macau, Association of Macao Tourist Agents and Travel Industry Council of Macau. The media partners include Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. (TDM) and Macau Asia Satellite Television Company, Limited (MASTV).

In his speech, Secretary Tam expressed that this year the Expo is organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office for the first time and coordinated by Macau Travel Agency Association. He believes that through the SAR Government’s guidance and involvement as well as close collaboration with industry partners, the Expo is set to achieve greater effectiveness and contribution to the industry. In the days ahead, the SAR Government will continue to uphold the principle of openness and sharing, to strengthen partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as foster coordinated development in parallel with the Mainland as well as other regional and international destinations, as all parties join hands to expand tourism markets for a broader and brighter tourism prospect. He also expressed confidence in MITE’s transformation into Macao’s signature international tourism fair which propels Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

Coming to its 4th edition, MITE is a significant annual gathering for tourism professionals, dedicated to offering a platform for participants from tourism and other related sectors at home and abroad to jointly explore business opportunities and boost visitation. Held at Hall D, Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao from 2 to 4 September, the Expo covers an area of 6,800 square meters and features a total of 370 booths run by over 200 enterprises and entities from 28 countries and regions. The exhibitors came from the tourism industry in countries and regions across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and Oceania. Tourism authorities of over 70 Mainland municipalities also take part in the Expo, which is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors.

The three-day Expo not only covers six key elements of the tourism industry — dining, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, sightseeing and shopping, but also features travel-related service, travel media, tourism electronic commerce and technology in tourism among other aspects. Offering a platform for exchange and product sale, the Expo not only updates exhibitors and industry professionals with local and overseas industry trends but also provides useful travel tips for travel enthusiasts. The 4th MITE program features a range of highlights among which the China - Portugal Tourism Seminar & Networking was held this afternoon (2 September) as a new session that brought out Macao’s impact as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Following that, an array of seminars will be held tomorrow (3 September) to cover various topics including an analysis of new trends of FIT in the Asia-Pacific region, smart tourism development and internet application, tourism destinations along the high-speed railway as well as promotion of hot tourist spots in 2016. Distinguished speakers are invited to share their knowledge and foresight on the topics concerned and familiarize participants with the latest tourism information and prospects of various destinations. The Expo also features a studio showing tourism videos, sales for FIT travel products, as well as folk custom and specialty shows.

MGTO presents a 144-square-meter Macao pavilion in the Expo. Themed after “Experience Macao Your Own Style”, the booth presents the World Heritage Site “The Historic Centre of Macao”, events and festivals as well as a wide range of local tourism products to industry professionals and visitors from around the world. The motorcycle rode by the champion of the 2003 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, Michael Rutter, is on display along with a car-racing simulator for interactive fun.

The 4th MITE is open to the public from 11:00 to 19:00 on 2 – 3 September and from 11:00 to 18:00 on 4 September. Free admission tickets are distributed on-site.

In the future, MGTO will keep enhancing its collaboration with the travel trade and other related sectors to promote the destination through a variety of local, regional and international events. Moreover, the Office will strive to radiate Macao’s impact as a platform, attract diverse market segments and raise the city’s international profile, in line with Macao’s goal to become a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

Official website of the 4th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo: www.cmitc.com

This press release is available at: http://industry.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/