The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Macau’s six concessionaires are gearing up for a significant event aimed at enhancing international visitation to Macau. This upcoming tourism roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marks a pivotal step in their strategy, particularly targeting the Malaysian market. Scheduled from 5th to 8th July at the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, this event showcases Macau’s diverse tourism offerings through booths set up by the concessionaires.
Revitalizing Tourism Efforts
Over the past 18 months, MGTO has intensified its large-scale roadshow campaigns across international markets, signaling a proactive approach to reinvigorating Macau’s tourism sector. Malaysia, identified as a key market, has received focused attention in this initiative. By collaborating with local travel agencies, MGTO aims to promote Macau through attractively priced travel packages, thereby enticing Malaysian tourists to explore Macau’s rich cultural and entertainment attractions.
Reopening and Recovery
Since Macau’s reopening on 8th January 2023, efforts have been underway to restore air links with foreign countries and expand visitor markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reports that Malaysian tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 totaled 39,839, positioning Malaysia as the third largest international source market for Macau, following the Philippines and Korea. However, this figure represents a recovery rate of only 71% compared to the same quarter in 2019, where 56,239 Malaysian tourists visited Macau.
Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the significance of Southeast Asia, MGTO has orchestrated major promotional activities in countries such as Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, and Thailand in the first half of this year. These efforts underscore MGTO’s commitment to diversifying and expanding Macau’s visitor base, aligning with the SAR’s tourism policy goals.
The upcoming roadshow in Kuala Lumpur not only highlights MGTO’s proactive stance in reviving Macau’s tourism but also signifies the strategic importance of the Malaysian market in this endeavor. By leveraging partnerships with local travel agencies and offering enticing travel packages, Macau aims to attract more Malaysian tourists and sustain its recovery momentum in the global tourism landscape.