On February 27, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) held the “Enhancing the Awareness of the Tourism Industry About Muslim Customers Seminar,” an event designed to equip tourism professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to better serve Muslim travelers. The seminar is part of MGTO’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism markets and promote Halal certification, further establishing Macao as a destination that caters to the needs of a global audience. This initiative also aligns with Macao’s economic diversification plan, aimed at reinforcing its position as a world hub for tourism and leisure.

The event, which saw more than 280 participants, brought together professionals from MGTO-licensed hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour guides. Sharifa Leung, General Manager of the GBA Halal Certification Centre Ltd., served as the guest speaker, offering valuable insights into Halal certification processes and Muslim-friendly tourism. Also in attendance were Ricky Hoi, Acting Director of MGTO, along with representatives from the Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme and other key tourism industry stakeholders.

Fostering a Diverse Tourism Landscape

During his address, Acting Director Ricky Hoi highlighted MGTO’s ongoing commitment to expanding Macao’s tourism market. With a focus on increasing engagement in Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Northeast Asia, MGTO also aims to reignite travel from Europe, the United States, and India, while tapping into the growing potential of the Middle Eastern market. Hoi emphasized that MGTO will continue to organize specialized training sessions to empower tourism professionals with the tools to serve a diverse clientele and enhance service quality across the region. The goal is to ensure that visitors, no matter their background, can fully enjoy Macao’s “tourism+” offerings and world-class hospitality.

A Practical Approach to Meeting Muslim Travelers’ Needs

The seminar provided an in-depth look into various aspects of Muslim-friendly tourism. Key topics included the principles of Halal food, dietary guidelines, and the unique preferences of Muslim travelers. The event also covered the essential steps in obtaining Halal certification, along with showcasing a range of certified products. This comprehensive approach helped industry participants deepen their understanding of how to cater to the specific needs of Muslim visitors, ensuring Macao remains a welcoming and accessible destination for all.

MGTO’s commitment to enhancing the industry’s understanding of Muslim tourism is not new. Building on the success of two Islamic Culture in Tourism Workshops in 2023, MGTO co-hosted additional seminars focused on Halal certification and Muslim traveler needs in 2024. By continuing to engage with industry professionals, MGTO is working to optimize tourism services and expand Macao’s reach to an even wider array of international visitors, supporting the destination’s continued growth and long-term sustainability.

With these efforts, MGTO is playing a crucial role in shaping Macao’s tourism sector into a more inclusive, globally-minded industry, ready to meet the evolving demands of travelers from across the world.

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