Saturday, February 3, 2024
The “Macao Welcomes You” Training Programs for International Guests, a collaborative effort between the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and MGM, aim to provide comprehensive online and offline training opportunities. These programs focus on enhancing the knowledge and skills of hospitality professionals and college students in dealing with international visitors. The training encompasses various aspects, including cultural customs, language proficiency, and overall service excellence. The initiative is designed to contribute to the sustainable and high-quality development of tourism in Macao.
The launch ceremony and inaugural seminar, titled “Seminar on Islamic Etiquette and Cultural Customs,” took place on February 2nd. The event attracted over 500 participants, including MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Senior Vice President of Hospitality at MGM China Iwan Dietschi, Imam Ding Shao Jie of the Islamic Association of Macau, and Sharifa Leung, Managing Director of 3 Hani Enterprises Ltd. Additionally, representatives from supporting entities, business leaders, industry employees, and students from academic institutions attended the ceremony.
In her address, Director Senna Fernandes emphasized the importance of the training programs in familiarizing tourism and related industry employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to cater to international visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds. The programs also offer college students the opportunity to gain insights into different cultural customs, preparing them for future roles in the tourism sector. The goal is to contribute to the sustainable and high-quality development of tourism in Macao.
The first seminar focused on Islamic culture and was themed “Islamic Religious Culture and Cultural Customs” and “Promoting Halal Awareness in Macao: Meeting the Needs of Muslim Tourism.” Imam Ding Shao Jie and Sharifa Leung were keynote speakers, providing valuable insights into religious etiquette, festivals, cultural customs of Islam, and practical considerations when serving Islamic visitors. The seminar aimed to equip participants with knowledge and skills relevant to the unique needs of Muslim tourists.
Looking ahead, MGTO plans to continue organizing specific training programs, building on the success of previous initiatives like the Islamic Culture in Tourism Workshops held in 2023. These efforts aim to further educate industry professionals about the culture, habits, and special requirements of visitors from diverse backgrounds. Concurrently, the ongoing Macao Courtesy Campaign seeks to instill a spirit of warm hospitality among residents and members of the travel trade, aligning with the “1+4” development strategy to diversify and advance the integrated tourism and leisure industry.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
