Macau continues to impress as a destination for conferences, exhibitions and incentives.
New openings, huge consumer interest and the odd court battle between ferry operators
are all healthy signs that the business is rolling in. In January, the Macau Government
Tourist Office (MGTO) released figures in January proving just how healthy things are.
Visitor arrivals in 2007 exceeded 27 million, a surge of 22.7 per cent over 2006.
Mainland China (14.87 million arrivals and a 24 per cent growth), Hong Kong SAR (8.17
million arrivals and a 17 per cent growth) and Taiwan, China (1.44 million arrivals) were the
three largest source of visitors for Macau.
BIG CROWDS
This huge surge is the main reason for the queues that business groups are experiencing
at immigration checkpoints. However the Macau government has acknowledged this and is working to dramatically increase the efficiency of its borders.
“The Macau Business Tourism Centre supported 90 events last year,” says MGTO director Joao Manuel Costa Atunes.
“MGTO is also supporting MICE activities to promote and develop the industry here.”
The latest property to open is the MGM Grand Macau. Built opposite Wynn Macau, this huge multicoloured structure is dedicated to gaming and entertainment although it does offer a grand ballroom, salon and meeting rooms, all on its ground floor, as well as a Six Senses Spa.
The MGM Grand’s six banquet and meeting rooms have 1,450 sqm of space with the highlight being Vista on third floor, which has floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking the swimming pool, ideal for cocktail functions.
FISHERMAN’S WHARF
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is built next to the ferry pier on the harbour. It is easily identifiable by its manmade volcano and its exterior of Fisherman’s Wharf holds a range of Portuguese and Italian-style buildings and public spaces, along with an outdoor Roman coliseum that can be used for concerts and private functions.
Beneath the volcano is a convention and exhibition facility featuring 5,000 sqm of space. The largest pillarless space is 2,740 sqm while it also has 1,300 sqm of prefunction space that is designed around an East meets West theme.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
The CotaiJet has begun operations from Hong Kong after winning a recent legal battle
against the incumbent operator Turbojet.
This means conference and incentive delegates can now travel direct from Hong Kong to the Cotai Strip, bypassing central Macau’s original ferry terminal.
The ferry service consists of seven 411-seat ferries travelling hourly between the two destinations, with another five ferries due to go into service by August. CotaiJet is also
pushing to offer services from Hong Kong airport to Macau.
TurboJet, the main operator, has also begun to upgrade its services HeliExpress has increased its fleet size for the 12-minute journey between Hong Kong and Macau. Helicopters depart every 30 minutes with a maximum of 12 passengers.
COMING UP
New openings due in the first half of 2008 include Sofitel Macau@Ponte16. The Ponte 16 site is part of the renewed inner-harbour area of Macau’s Pier 16, one of the oldest districts in the former Portuguese enclave.
The new hotel will offer 440 rooms over 17 storeys, with two restaurants and two bars.
It will also offer 700 sqm of multifunction conference space.
Meanwhile Macau Studio City is on target for opening in 2009.
GRAND PROPERTIES
The opening of yet another luxury property in downtown Macau provides even more reasons for conference and exhibition groups to visit the SAR. By Shannon Sweeney
