MGTO and MFTPA visit CICCC
Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Head of Destination Marketing Department of MGTO, Betty Fok, and others met with China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), industry operators and media in Beijing on 5 and 6 March for an exchange of opinions regarding tourism projects of both cities. Furthermore, MGTO signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for the International Film Festival & Awards·Macao with the China International Culture Communication Center, to foster cultural exchange and fuel the tourism development in Macao with culture as an enhancer.
Exchange of opinions on tourism development between Beijing and Macao
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes paid a courtesy visit to the China National Tourism Administration yesterday morning (5 March) and was welcomed by Director General of Department of Affairs on Tourism of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of CNTA, Li Yaying. The two parties exchanged opinions regarding the Creative City of Gastronomy, development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and the outlook of the tourism industry. Other officials present during the visit include Chief of Hong Kong and Macao Division of Department of Affairs on Tourism of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of CNTA, Ni Lisheng, and Head of Destination Marketing Department of MGTO, Betty Fok.
Following the courtesy visit, Director Senna Fernandes met with representatives of several mainstream media of the Capital in the afternoon to invite their in-depth coverage on Macao’s tourism products and development. MGTO then hosted an evening banquet for some 20 industry stakeholders of Beijing, including leaders of various entities such as travel agency association, travel agency, airline company and travel website. The Office rode on the occasion to present an overview of Macao’s tourism development and showcase the newest tourism facilities and products offered by the city. In her address to the banquet guests, Director Senna Fernandes remarked that following the new designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the last quarter of 2017, MGTO is excited to open up new channels for the city to tap into international cooperation and build sound and multilateral cooperative relationships with other member cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Celebrating 2018 as the Macao Year of Gastronomy, MGTO will promote the city’s cultural profile with gastronomy as a key driver and aspire to attract visitors from Beijing to Macao for the fascinating diversity of culinary experiences offered by the City of Gastronomy.
MGTO signed a Memorandum of understanding on cooperation with China International Culture Communication Center
MGTO Director Senna Fernandes, Head of Destination Marketing Department of MGTO, Betty Fok, representative of the Macau Films & Television Productions and Culture Association (MFTPA), Deputy Secretary General and Chief Financial Officer of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Lei Sou Ian, and representative of the Secretariat of the IFFAM Organizing Committee, Wong Chi Wai, visited the China International Culture Communication Center together with others today (6 March). During the visit, the China International Culture Communication Center (“CICCC” or the “Center”) and MGTO signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation regarding the International Film Festival & Awards·Macao (IFFAM).
With the next edition of IFFAM to be unveiled in December, the memorandum of understanding on cooperation serves the objective to gain better resources and platforms for cultural dissemination, help propagating traditional Chinese culture across the world as well as promote Macao’s tourism growth through cultural elements.
The memorandum was signed by the Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group and Executive Chairman of the China International Culture Communication Center, Long Yuxiang, and MGTO Director Senna Fernandes on behalf of the two parties respectively, unveiling a collaborative program effective for a period of three years. Having becomea supporting entity of IFFAMby signing the memorandum,the Centerwill recommend films produced by the Mainland to participate in IFFAM as well as TV and film celebrities starring in Mainland movies, thus castingastronginfluence in the market.
Throughout last year, over 350,000 Beijing residents travelled to Macao. The number rose by 8.8% since 2016. A total of 25 flights currently run weekly between Macao and Beijing. By paying the visit to Beijing, MGTO hopes to take this opportunity to promote Macao among major industry operators and media there, enhancing exchange and cooperation so that more Beijing residents will find Macao an attractive destination to come and explore.
