The Macau Government Tourist Office has expanded its presence at this year’s AIME trade show in Melbourne, as it intensifies its drive to secure Australian meetings, conventions and incentive business generated by the nation’s recovering economy. The tourist office has purchased 120 square metres of exhibition space at AIME – a 33 per cent increase over the 90 square metres last year – to accommodate a record 12 Macau trade participating in this year’s event. “The Australian economy is recovering, and the MICE market in particular is showing very encouraging signs of regrowth in 2010,” said Helen Wong, General Manager Australia for the Macau Government Tourist Office. “Our message to Australian meeting planners is simple and to the point: “Macau welcomes you, and we have everything you will need for a most unforgettable Macau event,” added Ms Wong. “Choose from our range of modern international brand hotels and integrated convention facilities to a vast range of pre and post touring options, which showcase not only the rich trading and religious history of Macau but also its modern attractions including some of the finest resorts, spas and entertainment facilities in the world.”
Ms Wong said Macau is investing significantly in international marketing to attract the MICE market, but said there is particular interest in Australia, where the economy has fared better than many other countries following the challenges of 2009. “The Australian economy has weathered the economic storm well, with the business community and consumers in general both demonstrating a level of confidence that is not as evident in other markets,” said Ms Wong. “Australians are also continuing to travel because of the combined benefits of a strong Australian dollar and the most competitive air fares and travel offers in many years,” she said. “Macau has much to offer the MICE market, the business community and leisure travellers, and we’re here in force at AIME to sell our message and our destination to conference organisers, travel wholesalers and business and leisure travellers.” Macau is easily accessible from Hong Kong international airport, where the high speed Sea Express departs frequently from the sky Pier for the 45 minute journey to Macau – a faster journey than the rail trip from the airport to downtown Hong Kong. Three major airlines – Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic all operate daily services from Australia to Hong Kong while Viva Macau is increasing its nonstop flights from Melbourne. The Macau stand at AIME is no. 2807. For more information about Macau at AIME, or about the destination generally, visit www.macautourism.gov.mo or contact the Macau Government Tourist Office in Australia on (02) 9264 1488 or email: macau@worldtradetravel.com
