Increased interest in MITE

Cecilia U
[email protected] The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has taken the helm in organising the Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE), now in its 4th year, with co-ordination from the Macau Travel Agency Association (MTAA).
The event runs from September 2 to 4 and over 135 enterprises and entities from 15 countries and regions have confirmed as exhibitors.
This year’s edition, aside from continuing the promotion of ‘Smart Tourism’, will include more exhibitions focused on demonstrating the distinctive characteristics of the MSAR, notes the head of the Macau Travel Agency Association.
“Since the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge will be opening soon, allowing for a half-hour long trip from the Hong Kong International Airport to Macau, this will attract more tourists,” posited Lao Nga Wong, President of MTAA, during the press conference held yesterday. “The successful performance of similar events held in Guangzhou has also encouraged us to hold one to strengthen Macau’s tourism industry,” commented the MTAA head.
Increasing demand
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes also commented positively on the increase in the number of booths – slated for 350 but increased by 19 given higher demand for this year’s Expo.
The MGTO head also revealed an estimate of around MOP7million-worth (US$800,000) of investment to hold this year’s event whilst emphasising that exact amounts had yet to be confirmed. The total investment amount is split between the government and MTAA.
The reason for the government officially hosting the event, said Senna Fernandes during the press conference, is that the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) suggested the SAR Government take charge of the event in order to increase the representativeness of the MSAR in terms of tourism.
She also explained that the event has shifted to an earlier date this year in order to prevent a conflict in dates of a more important tourism exhibition to be held in China this coming November. This year’s Expo has received support from the CNTA.
Other features of the 4th MITE include seminars, a studio showing tourism videos, sales of various products and a folk customs and specialty show. There will also be a China-Portugal Tourism Promotion Seminar and a Travel Mart to facilitate interchanges among tourism operators from China and Portuguese-speaking countries.