The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), along with a delegation of Macao’s travel industry professionals, participated in the Tourism Expo Japan 2024, held in Tokyo from September 26 to 29. This participation was a key step in the MGTO’s strategic efforts to promote Macao’s diverse “tourism +” offerings and attract more Japanese visitors, ultimately expanding its reach in international markets.
As the largest international travel fair in Japan, the Tourism Expo Japan presented a prime opportunity for Macao to highlight its unique appeal. The MGTO, in collaboration with representatives from Macao’s integrated resort enterprises, hotels, travel agencies, and airlines, established a 90-square-meter Macao Pavilion at the Expo.
The Pavilion’s design, inspired by Portuguese architectural influences, featured a captivating blend of cultural elements. A large LED screen, resembling a church’s stained glass window, illuminated traditional Portuguese tiles, and an illuminated replica of the Ruins of St. Paul’s. These design elements beautifully captured the historical and cultural essence of Macao, showcasing its vibrant blend of heritage and modern tourism.
The Macao Pavilion served as a platform for promoting Macao’s cultural appeal, its exciting calendar of events, and its diverse visitor experiences. The goal was to attract Japanese tourists and grow the international visitor market. The Pavilion also acted as a meeting hub, facilitating networking opportunities for the MGTO and Macao’s industry delegates with international and Japanese travel trade professionals. These connections fostered new partnerships and collaborations, furthering the growth of Macao’s tourism sector.
The Pavilion showcased Macao’s “tourism +” offerings, including cultural tourism, wellness tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) opportunities. This strategy aims to cater to a broader range of travelers seeking diverse experiences beyond traditional tourism.
The Tourism Expo Japan 2024, organized by the Japan Travel and Tourism Association, Japan Association of Travel Agents, and Japan National Tourism Organization, is recognized as one of the most comprehensive travel fairs globally. 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 witnessed similar participation from leading figures in the travel industry, providing Macao with significant exposure and opportunities for collaboration.
Japan holds a significant position in Macao’s tourism market, consistently ranking among the top ten visitor markets. The strong connectivity between the two destinations is facilitated by daily flight services between Macao and Tokyo and Osaka, ensuring frequent and reliable travel options.
In July 2023, the MGTO collaborated with Air Macau to host a familiarization trip for Japanese travel trade members from Tokyo and Osaka. This initiative 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.
The MGTO’s participation in Tourism Expo Japan 2024 aims to further enhance Macao’s profile in Japan and build upon 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.
The 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, the MGTO anticipates 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.
