Macao Shines as a Premier ‘Tourism + MICE’ Destination at PATA 2024

Published on May 20, 2024

A key feature of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Summit 2024, which took place from May 15 to 17 in Macao, was the immersive experiences provided to delegates from around the globe. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) arranged various activities, including workshops highlighting Macao’s unique blend of Eastern and Western heritage, a walking tour of the city’s key tourist spots, and an evening open-top bus tour. These events allowed delegates from the Asia Pacific region to witness firsthand the vibrant evolution of Macao into a global hub for tourism and leisure, showcasing its varied “tourism plus” offerings. Overall, the workshops and tours attracted over 150 attendees.

Workshops showcasing Sino-Portuguese culture

On the afternoon of May 17, coinciding with the summit, attendees participated in two cultural workshops. One was a baking workshop where delegates learned to make Portuguese egg tarts and Macanese Genete cookies, while the other was a workshop on painting Portuguese blue tiles, a prominent art form in local churches and historical sites.

Panoramic bus tour of Macao’s nightlife

Following the summit, a scenic open-top bus tour was organized in the evening. This tour offered delegates panoramic views of Macao’s illuminated streets, with sights including the glowing facades of hotels and resorts on the Macao peninsula and Cotai, as well as landmarks such as the Macao Science Center, Macau Tower, Taipa Village, and others.

Exploring Macao’s Heritage

This morning, delegates embarked on a comprehensive tour across Macao, Taipa, and Coloane. The journey included visits to various landmarks within the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Macao, starting at the Ruins of St. Paul’s and weaving through Travessa da Paixão and Rua dos Ervanários, culminating at Senado Square. Additionally, the tour showcased newly revitalized tourist spots such as the Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Taipa and the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards in Coloane.

The afternoon featured a half-day excursion to Hong Kong, coordinated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, enhancing the travel experience between Macao and Hong Kong.

Summit Highlights “Tourism + MICE” Opportunities

The PATA Annual Summit 2024, hosted at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau by MGTO and co-hosted by SJM Resorts, S.A., welcomed approximately 450 tourism industry representatives from about 30 countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The summit included various internal meetings of the association, a prominent international conference, and several auxiliary events.

Held in a new locale each year, this summit marked the first significant PATA event in Macao post-pandemic. It served as a platform to present the city’s latest developments and its capacity as a “tourism + MICE” destination, significantly enhancing its international stature.