Macao Strengthens Greater Bay Area Tourism Links with Korea and Thailand Through New Multi-Destination Travel Experiences

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Macao is accelerating efforts to expand international tourism cooperation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by developing new multi-destination travel experiences for visitors from South Korea and Thailand. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has launched a series of tourism exchange programmes and familiarisation activities aimed at helping travel operators create seamless itineraries that combine Macao’s cultural attractions with the wider connectivity, transport infrastructure and tourism resources of the Greater Bay Area.

The initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation between tourism stakeholders in Macao, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hengqin while using the region’s advanced aviation, rail, road and maritime networks to design attractive travel products for overseas visitors.

Macao Expands Greater Bay Area Tourism Cooperation Through Regional Connectivity

To encourage deeper tourism integration within the Greater Bay Area, MGTO organised a specialised familiarisation programme for its market representatives from South Korea and Thailand, along with tourism and transport industry partners.

The programme was designed to provide overseas market representatives with a detailed understanding of the region’s transportation advantages and tourism potential. By exploring the infrastructure connections between Macao, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, participants gained insights into how international travellers can enjoy smooth multi-city journeys across the Greater Bay Area.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of regional tourism cooperation as destinations seek to provide visitors with broader experiences beyond traditional single-city holidays. By combining Macao’s heritage, entertainment, gastronomy and leisure attractions with the wider cultural and economic strengths of neighbouring cities, tourism operators can develop more diverse holiday packages for international markets.

Tourism Delegation Explores Shenzhen and Guangzhou Transport Networks

A delegation consisting of 21 members, including MGTO representatives from South Korea and Thailand as well as local tourism and transport operators, visited Shenzhen and Guangzhou on 7 and 8 July for a detailed familiarisation tour.

The visit was supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province. MGTO Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong led the delegation during the programme, while representatives from Guangdong’s tourism authorities also participated in discussions focused on regional tourism development.

During the visit, the delegation explored key transportation facilities across Shenzhen and Guangzhou, including international visitor service centres, high-speed rail facilities, border-crossing transport services, cruise terminals and land entry points.

The inspection allowed participants to understand how different transport systems across the Greater Bay Area work together to support international visitor movement. The delegation also examined opportunities to combine air, land and sea transportation networks to create more convenient travel routes for overseas tourists.

Discussions were held with Guangdong tourism industry representatives on how international airports in Shenzhen and Guangzhou could play a greater role in connecting global visitors with Macao and Hengqin. The meetings highlighted opportunities for developing integrated travel experiences that link flights, rail services, border transportation and cruise connections.

Shenzhen and Guangzhou Airports Positioned as Gateways for International Visitors

The Greater Bay Area’s international aviation network is becoming an important foundation for future tourism growth. Through Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, overseas visitors can access multiple destinations across southern China with improved transport connections.

The tourism development strategy aims to encourage international travellers to include multiple destinations within one journey rather than visiting only a single location.

By using airport connections in Shenzhen and Guangzhou as major entry points, tourism operators can design travel routes that combine visits to Macao, Hengqin and other Greater Bay Area destinations.

The approach is expected to create more flexible travel options for visitors from South Korea and Thailand, allowing them to experience a wider range of cultural, culinary and leisure attractions during their trips.

The development of connected tourism products also supports stronger cooperation between airlines, transport companies, hotels, attractions and travel agencies across the region.

Macao Hosts Workshop to Develop Korea and Thailand Focused Travel Products

Following the Shenzhen and Guangzhou familiarisation programme, MGTO organised a tourism product development workshop in Macao on 9 July.

The workshop focused on creating new multi-destination tourism packages for South Korean and Thai travellers by using Shenzhen and Guangzhou international airports as important transportation hubs connecting visitors with Macao and Hengqin.

Representatives from Macao’s travel industry, tourism transport companies and the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin participated in discussions alongside MGTO’s overseas market representatives.

The participants explored opportunities to design travel routes that combine the strengths of Macao, Hengqin, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The discussions focused on developing cultural tourism experiences that showcase the unique attractions, traditions and modern facilities of the Greater Bay Area.

Through cooperation among tourism stakeholders, new travel products are expected to offer international visitors smoother journeys, more diverse activities and greater flexibility when exploring southern China.

Macao Highlights Cultural Tourism, Gastronomy and Lifestyle Experiences

During their stay in Macao, MGTO’s market representatives from South Korea and Thailand also explored the city’s expanding “tourism plus” offerings.

The familiarisation programme introduced participants to a variety of tourism resources, including new cultural attractions, culinary experiences, sports activities, community tourism projects and the Mak Mak Experience Hub.

The delegation also visited community tourism initiatives in areas such as ZAPE, gaining knowledge about how local neighbourhoods and cultural assets can become part of modern visitor experiences.

Macao has been increasingly developing tourism products that combine traditional attractions with new lifestyle experiences. These include food tourism, cultural exploration, entertainment, sports activities and community-based travel.

By promoting diverse experiences, Macao aims to attract different visitor segments and encourage longer stays among international travellers.

Sports Tourism Becomes New Focus for Korean and Thai Visitor Markets

Recognising the rising global interest in health, fitness and active lifestyles, MGTO also arranged an exchange session focused on running tourism.

Representatives from the Korean and Thai markets participated in discussions with the General Association of Athletics of Macau to explore opportunities for incorporating sports-related experiences into future tourism promotions.

The growing popularity of fitness activities among younger generations has created new opportunities for destinations to develop specialised travel products. Sports tourism allows visitors to combine participation in events with cultural discovery, dining and leisure experiences.

Through future marketing campaigns, Macao plans to highlight its potential as a destination offering diverse experiences for active travellers from South Korea, Thailand and other international markets.

Greater Bay Area Collaboration Supports Macao’s Global Tourism Growth

MGTO will continue strengthening regional partnerships and exploring new approaches to expand “tourism plus” development while creating specialised tourism products for different international markets.

The organisation will continue working with tourism partners across the Greater Bay Area to promote overseas cooperation, strengthen business networking and encourage multi-destination travel.

By combining Macao’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure with the Greater Bay Area’s extensive transportation network and diverse tourism resources, the region is building a stronger foundation for international tourism growth.

The continued development of connected travel experiences is expected to enhance visitor accessibility, increase destination choices and provide international travellers with richer and more seamless journeys across southern China.