Malaysia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain Join Forces in Macao to Ignite New Tourism and M.I.C.E Partnerships at 2025 ECTAA Summit

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

On June 3, 2025, Macao opened its doors to prominent travel professionals from Europe as it hosted the annual European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) Summit at the elegant Grand Lisboa Palace Resort. This flagship event offers an exclusive platform for European travel agency leaders to explore Macao’s exceptional blend of tourism and M.I.C.E (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) opportunities.

During the summit, attendees will engage directly with Macao’s local travel industry through business matchmaking sessions, immersive tours of community areas, and a special familiarization trip to the nearby Hengqin region. These activities are crafted to provide a deeper appreciation of the area’s rich cultural heritage and expanding tourism assets, while enhancing Macao’s visibility as a strategic destination for European travelers seeking distinctive Asian experiences.

Strengthening Cross-Continental Partnerships to Expand Visitor Markets

The summit commenced with greetings from senior tourism officials who emphasized the importance of reinforcing collaboration between Macao and Europe at a time when international travel is experiencing renewed momentum. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) highlighted travel agencies as crucial partners in their ongoing efforts to increase tourist inflows from Europe and strengthen the city’s global presence.

ECTAA leadership praised Macao for its seamless integration of tradition and modernity, describing it as a compelling destination that captivates European visitors with its unique cultural tapestry and innovative offerings. The organization expressed enthusiasm about fostering deeper ties with Macao’s travel sector, confident that joint initiatives will generate exciting new avenues for tourism growth and industry cooperation.

A Vibrant Exchange of Ideas and Business Opportunities

Running from June 2 to 5, the summit is jointly hosted by MGTO and SJM Resorts, S.A., drawing around 40 delegates from diverse ECTAA member countries including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Malaysia (international member), the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. This gathering provides a dynamic forum for networking, knowledge sharing, and cultivating partnerships that showcase Macao’s tourism potential.

Participants will gain invaluable insights by interacting with local travel professionals and experiencing firsthand the destination’s evolving tourism landscape. The visit to Hengqin adds a regional dimension to the summit, exposing delegates to complementary tourism developments that reinforce the area’s attractiveness as a broader travel hub.

Looking Forward: Unlocking New Growth Opportunities

The 2025 ECTAA Summit in Macao symbolizes a strengthened commitment to collaboration between European travel agencies and Macao’s tourism authorities. By leveraging Macao’s distinct tourism and M.I.C.E strengths and nurturing cross-border partnerships, both sides aim to diversify visitor markets, enrich travel experiences, and elevate the city’s profile on the international stage.

As Macao continues to evolve as a vibrant destination for culture, heritage, and business events, this summit paves the way for sustained increases in European arrivals. The connections and initiatives sparked during these days promise to position Macao as a vital gateway linking Europe and Asia, unlocking fresh opportunities for travelers and the travel industry alike.

Through events like the ECTAA Summit, Macao is not only promoting its rich tourism assets but also reinforcing its role as a global bridge between continents. This collaboration will help propel the city’s tourism industry forward, creating mutual benefits and exciting prospects for all participants involved.

MGTO Director and the ECTAA President, together with ECTAA Vice-President Heli Mäki-Fränti and the Managing Director of SJM Resorts Daisy Ho shared the details about the event in a press conference held today.

The summit includes ECTAA’s board and general assembly, along with two panel sessions with guest speakers under the theme “Developing Europe-Asia Commercial Relations in Tourism” and “Strengthening the Impact of Member Organisations.”

A key highlight of the event was a business networking session held this morning, where delegates connected with representatives from Macao’s travel industry. Sixty-five participants from local travel agencies, integrated resorts, hotels, airlines, convention and exhibition venues, destination management companies, and more joined the session. This provided a valuable platform for exploring partnership opportunities aimed at attracting diverse traveler segments from Europe to Macao.

Exploring Macao’s Communities and Hengqin Attractions

Tomorrow afternoon (4 June), delegates will embark on a half-day tour to experience Macao’s distinctive “tourism +” offerings, immersing themselves in the city’s unique blend of attractions. The day will conclude with a gala dinner co-hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and SJM Resorts, marking a celebratory close to the summit’s formal activities.

Following the main event, European delegates will participate in a familiarization visit on the morning of Thursday, 5 June, to key attractions in Hengqin. This visit is organized by the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, offering insights into the neighboring region’s tourism potential.

ECTAA: Representing 80,000 European Travel Professionals

As the umbrella organization for national travel associations across 32 European countries, ECTAA represents some 80,000 travel agents and tour operators. Hosting the 2025 Macao Summit aligns with MGTO’s strategic focus on reconnecting with the European travel trade to boost visitor numbers from the continent.

Macao has also been designated by ECTAA as its “Preferred Destination 2025.” This recognition complements MGTO’s ongoing collaborations with various partners to promote Macao within the European market, enhancing the city’s visibility and appeal to international travelers.