Macau eyes bigger share of the convention market

CEBU, Philippines - With sizeable convention and exhibition facilities offered by the Venetian Macao, the newly-opened Grand Hyatt Macau; theMacau Tower, and the Fisherman’s Wharf, Macau is now recognized as an important destination for the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market.

 With these facilities, Macau “can take its place as one of the best equipped and most modern MICE destinations in the world,” said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Macau Government Tourism Office deputy director.

Coupled with entertainment, excellent hotel, dining, and shopping choices, and a rich heritage, Macau’s convention facilities, most of which are found within integrated resorts, make the destination very appealing to event participants, who can now look forward to combining business with pleasure. Of the 730 MICE events held during the first half of 2009, 694 (95 percent) were meetings and conferences and 36 (5 percent) were exhibitions. According to government statistics, a total of 211,287 participants attended these events.

Forthcoming events in Macau include conferences in marketing, science and technology, and heritage management and its own international film festival and international film, TV, and animation trade fair.

The First Macau International Film Festival and International Film, TV, Animation Trade Fair will run for eight days, from December 26 to January 2, 2010. The event will bring together international film, television and animation producers, investors, directors, actors, and business groups to promote the local film and television industry and to showcase film, animation, and television productions from Asia and the rest of the world.

More information on Macau’s new MICE facilities and upcoming events are available at www.macautourism.gov.mo