By Paulo A. Azevedo in Cyprus

Tapping into new source markets for Macau’s tourism from Eastern Europe and Arab countries is one of the key strategies for diversifying the sector, Macau Government Tourism Office director Helena de Senna Fernandes, assured Macau News Agency (MNA).

The SAR’s tourism chief is currently in the Republic of Cyprus on a tour organised by Melco International Development Limited. The tour also includes representatives from travel and trade associations, as well as the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM).

Senna Fernandes explained that the aim is to establish partnerships that promote “quality tourism”. The rationale is less mass tourism, with less impact on the city’s daily life, but with potential for higher returns.

One of the main aims was achieved earlier, when ECTAA (European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Associations) selected Macau as a preferred destination for 2025. 

“ECTAA will help promote Macau as a unique travel destination to ECTAA members and beyond”, stated the organization earlier this year.

Senna Fernandes also told MNA that a major meeting is scheduled to take place in the SAR at the end of the first semester.

However, it’s not just MGTO that accepted Melco’s ride to forge new ties with the region. Several representatives from associations linked to travel and exhibitions joined the roadshow held at City of Dreams Mediterranean and got based at the €600 million investment casino resort operated by Melco near the city of Limassol.

“We found considerable interest from agencies in Eastern European countries, such as Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria, in the Macau market, as well as in other parts of the Greater Bay Area. In our meetings, we also noted investment interest from Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait,” Alan Ho, Chairman of the Macau Association of Convention, Exhibition & Tourism Sectors, told MNA.