The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), along with a delegation from Macao’s travel trade, participated in the Tourism Expo Japan 2024 in Tokyo, Japan from September 26 to 29. The MGTO’s involvement in the largest international travel fair in Japan was part of its strategic efforts to promote Macao’s diverse “tourism +” offerings and to attract more Japanese visitors while expanding its reach into international markets.

Macao Pavilion at Tourism Expo Japan 2024

MGTO, together with representatives from Macao’s integrated resort enterprises, hotels, travel agencies, and airlines, ran a 90-square-meter Macao Pavilion at the Expo. The Pavilion, styled with Portuguese architectural influences, featured a large LED screen resembling a church’s stained glass window, traditional Portuguese tiles, and an illuminated replica of the Ruins of St. Paul’s. These design elements brought a cultural and historical ambiance to the Expo, showcasing Macao’s vibrant blend of heritage and modern tourism. The Pavilion highlighted Macao’s cultural appeal, exciting calendar of events, and diverse visitor experiences, aiming to attract Japanese tourists and grow the international visitor market.

Networking for New Partnerships

The Pavilion also served as a meeting hub for MGTO and Macao’s industry delegates to network with international and Japanese travel trade professionals, fostering new partnership opportunities. It provided a platform for showcasing Macao’s “tourism +” offerings, which include cultural tourism, wellness tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) opportunities.

Tourism Expo Japan – A Premier Travel Event

The Tourism Expo Japan 2024, organized by the Japan Travel and Tourism Association, Japan Association of Travel Agents, and Japan National Tourism Organization, is one of the most comprehensive travel fairs in the world. In 2023, the Expo attracted over 1,000 enterprises and organizations from 70 countries and regions, with more than 140,000 visitors attending the event. The 2024 edition was similarly attended by leading figures in the travel industry, positioning Macao for greater exposure and collaboration.

Strengthening Macao-Japan Tourism Relations

Japan remains a key market for Macao, consistently ranking in the top ten of Macao’s visitor markets. With daily flight services between Macao and Tokyo and Osaka, connectivity between the two destinations is frequent and reliable. In July 2023, MGTO collaborated with Air Macau to host a familiarization trip for Japanese travel trade members from Tokyo and Osaka. This was followed by participation in Tourism Expo Japan 2023 in October 2023 and a major roadshow in Tokyo in March 2024, which included a tourism + MICE product seminar.

MGTO’s participation in Tourism Expo Japan 2024 aims to further boost Macao’s profile in Japan and build on previous marketing initiatives. By engaging with industry leaders and promoting its diverse tourism products, Macao hopes to increase visitation from Japan and other international markets.

Looking Ahead: Tapping into the Japanese Market

MGTO’s marketing efforts are part of a larger strategy to capitalize on the growing interest in Macao among Japanese travelers. By the end of FY2024, MGTO expects significant growth in Japanese visitation, with hopes of further increasing this number in the following years. With its ongoing partnerships, engaging events, and innovative “tourism +” concept, Macao is well-positioned to enhance its appeal in Japan and the global market.

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