Mega Media Fam Trip concluded in Macau

Nearly a hundred international and Mainland media ended their 5-day visit in Macau today. Media representatives from different markets expressed their great impression about Macau. The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) indicated that the success of the Mega Media Familiarization Trip would help to lift the international profile of Macau. Director Antunes of MGTO expressed that organizing such a large-scale media familiarization trip this time was one of the major components of the promotional campaign for “Macau World Heritage Year”. This trip allowed the media to experience the world heritage, as well as new tourism products and facilities in Macau. Their positive feedback will help to promote tourism of Macau and further increase the fame of Macau internationally. Antunes added that after the “VISA Treasure Hunt II”, MGTO would launch another consumer promotion during the second half of the year - the “World Heritage Passport”. While continuing to actively promote the heritage and tourism industry of Macau though different types of promotional activities, MGTO will work closely with related departments, tourism trade and associations to enhance the service quality of the industry. Before returning to their home towns, members of the familiarization group shared their thoughts about Macau. Media representatives from Thailand and Taiwan, China believed that Macau is a place good enough for 3-4 days visit. Taiwan Times journalist, Chang Chao-Lin said that Macau has both modern and historical architectures, and the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures makes him feel the passion. Peerawat Jariyasombat of Bangkok Post expressed that there are still many more treasures to be found in Macau. Zhang Lixin, Head of Channel of China National Radio is a first-time visitor to Macau. She expressed that she thought of Macau as a place for leisure but in reality it is a vibrant city with busy traffic. She gave a good appraisal to Macau for having preserved Chinese traditions through cuisines, clothings and architecture; moreover, the street circuit and the Macau Grand Prix with over 50 years of history astonished her. It is also the first time for Kris Min, writer of Korea Travel Times to come to Macau, and he has a different opinion about it. He believed that Macau will become a commercial and trade business centre. Kris Min visits Las Vegas four times a year and he found that Macau has the cultural characteristics of the East and West and that makes the difference. Media representatives from the USA and Australia both love the natural scenery of the islands. American travel writer Joy Hepp speaks Spanish and she feels genial when seeing Portuguese road signs and illustrations. She expressed that the passion and hospitality of the people in Macau gave her a good impression and believed that the Macau tourism industry will have a bright future. Veteran reporter and feature writer of Mice.net Magazine, Bev Malazard indicated that Macau has changed a lot compared with the past few years, and the large-scale tourism projects in COTAI area are astounding. The opening of the project will boost the future development of Macau. She believed that World Heritage and the gaming industry are equally important for Macau, and at the same time, the charm and friendliness make foreign visitors feel at ease. Bev added that the establishment of the Macau Business Tourism Centre by MGTO showed the determination and sincerity of Macau to expand the business tourism sector. There is much big room for the Macau tourism industry to develop but she hopes that the process will not sacrifice the valuable history and the natural beauty of the destination. Every year, MGTO receives familiarization groups from different sectors, many of which are media representatives from all over the world. Members of the groups will share their first hand experiences gained in Macau with the target source markets when they return home. The media participating in the familiarization trip this time range from long-haul markets to the nearby region, and the trip will arm them with knowledge about the city’s heritage as well as new tourism products that would enable them to promote Macau’s cultural and business tourism in their home markets.