Macao Showcases Tourism Excellence and Sustainability at PATA Travel Mart 2025 in Bangkok

Published on August 29, 2025

From August 26 to 28, Bangkok, Thailand hosted the PATA Travel Mart 2025 where MGTO together with other stakeholders from Macao’s tourism industry, promoted Macao’s participation in the PATA Travel Mart 2025. Their participation in the event actively seek to broaden the type of international travelers to Macao while also strengthening the country’s image as a tourism hub in the Asia Pacific region.

A Premier Showcase at One of Asia-Pacific’s Biggest Tourism Events

The PATA Travel Mart, now in its 48th edition, is widely recognized as one of the most influential travel trade shows in the region. This year’s event attracted more than 1,000 delegates from over 50 countries and regions, creating an unparalleled networking platform for destinations, tour operators, and hospitality leaders.

Heading the Macao contingent was MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, accompanied by representatives from a dozen leading integrated resorts, Air Macau, and key travel agencies, uniting efforts to promote the destination on an international stage. The group not only showcased Macao’s evolving tourism offerings but also engaged in critical discussions to foster new partnerships and business opportunities. Fernandes also participated as a guest of honor at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, alongside global tourism leaders, PATA executives, and senior officials from Thailand and China.

A Dynamic Booth Featuring Technology and Local Flavors

Macao’s promotional booth became a vibrant hub at the exhibition, highlighting the destination’s “Tourism+” strategy—a concept integrating tourism with culture, gastronomy, and innovation. The booth featured an AI-powered photo station where visitors could capture images against Macao’s iconic landmarks. Adding a sensory experience to the showcase, an exclusive café served authentic Macanese delicacies, giving attendees a taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the booth functioned as a networking space where MGTO and its partners connected with international buyers, industry leaders, and media representatives, reinforcing Macao’s reputation as a destination of cultural richness and modern hospitality.

Macao Takes Center Stage at PATA Gold Awards 2025

One of the most anticipated moments of the travel mart was the PATA Gold Awards 2025 ceremony and gala dinner, hosted on August 27. The competition was intense this year, with more than 100 submissions representing 45 tourism organizations across the globe, all evaluated by a distinguished panel of international experts.

Macao stood out as a dominant winner, securing top honors for its creative and impactful initiatives. The highest accolade—the PATA Grand Award for Marketing—was awarded to MGTO for its groundbreaking “Experience Macao Limited Edition” global promotional campaign. Launched in August 2024 in collaboration with six of Macao’s leading integrated resort enterprises, the campaign set a new benchmark in tourism marketing excellence.

The innovative campaign leveraged a powerful blend of digital interaction, influencer-driven promotions, and high-profile celebrity partnerships to capture worldwide attention. It brought together 30 prominent influencers and opinion leaders spanning Southeast and Northeast Asia, the Middle East, and major English-speaking regions. Adding to the buzz, a popular K-pop girl group produced an exclusive song and music video for the campaign. The results were remarkable:

• 5.16 billion impressions across digital platforms
• 28,000 prizes distributed through interactive online games
• 650,000 new followers on MGTO’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts

Sustainability, Heritage, and IP Economy Initiatives Recognized

In addition to the Grand Award, MGTO clinched a PATA Gold Award in the category of Best Sustainable and Inclusive Marketing Campaign for its “A New Standard of Excellence” initiative. Developed in collaboration with Fortune, the campaign presented documentary-style storytelling to highlight how Macao’s integrated resorts are blending luxury experiences with environmental stewardship and social inclusivity. This strategic effort generated 15.1 million impressions, amplifying Macao’s leadership in sustainable tourism practices.

Two of Macao’s integrated resorts also brought home prestigious honors:

Melco Resorts & Entertainment earned the Best Marketing Campaign – Hospitality award for its “SANRIO CHARACTERS Studio City Carnival”, which engaged visitors through creative experiences inspired by beloved Sanrio characters.

Sands China earned the Best Printed Marketing Campaign (Industry) award for its cultural project “In Search of Its Roots: An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens.” This publication forms a key element of a broader community revitalization program aimed at preserving local heritage and showcasing the historical significance of one of Macao’s oldest streets.

Decades of Collaboration with PATA

MGTO’s longstanding partnership with PATA continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Macao’s global tourism agenda. During this year’s event, Director Fernandes participated in key board and committee meetings, reaffirming Macao’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable growth of the Asia-Pacific travel industry.

Macao has continually utilized the PATA platform as a strategic avenue to highlight its dynamic tourism offerings and strengthen ties with both established and emerging markets. The recognition garnered at this year’s PATA Gold Awards reflects not only Macao’s creativity in marketing but also its strategic focus on sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation.

Looking Ahead

The PATA Travel Mart in 2025 is sure to bring great momentum to Macao. With innovative technology, exceptional marketing, and an unwavering focus on sustainability, Macao is marrying tradition with modernity in its bid to become a global tourism hub.