Gov’t affirms MICE industry’s evolution toward internationalized approach

Macau’s economy is diversifying, with the MICE industry evolving toward a market-oriented and internationalized approach, said Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) president Vincent U U Sang, who reaffirmed his target baseline of a 15% increase in international traveling traders this year.

“In response to shifts in the international market, we are focused on attracting more international business visitors to enhance the client structure at our events. The government’s goal is to achieve a 15% annual increase in the number of international business visitors participating in all meetings and exhibitions held in Macau by 2025,” the IPIM chief stated, on the sidelines of the opening of the 2025 G2E Asia yesterday at the Venetian Macao.

He emphasized Macau’s strengths as a free-trade port, noting that various response plans have been developed to address market changes.

“Macau’s advantage lies in its capacity as a free-trade port to capitalize on its strengths while mitigating weaknesses, leveraging our convenient access for businesses and visitors. As a highly open and internationalized region, we aim to further enhance our internationalization efforts,” said the official.

He further emphasized that by promoting mainland China’s Go Global Strategy, Macau aims to enhance its role as a platform connecting China and Portuguese-speaking countries, fully utilizing the positioning granted by the central government.

“Many enterprises in the mainland are actively seeking to expand into previously untapped markets, with Portuguese-speaking countries identified as key targets. Consequently, we have seen a rise in inquiries about these countries,” he said.

As part of its initiatives, U revealed that IPIM will organize trade delegations to five Portuguese-speaking countries and invite representatives from these nations to visit Macau for follow-up discussions. The China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic and Trade Expo is set to return to Macau this October.

“While enhancing internationalization, we cannot rely solely on a single indicator to measure success,” U emphasized. “The key indicator is whether the event gains market recognition. If the event is acknowledged by the market, I believe its internationalization will continue to improve.”

Referring to Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai’s Policy Address on the development of Spanish-speaking countries, U stated that Macau will collaborate with Hengqin to establish a center for Portuguese-speaking countries, enhance cooperation, and promote ongoing economic and trade relations with Spain.

Notable examples include major conferences held in Barcelona and the first invitation extended to Spanish business representatives to participate in an exhibition in March this year, showcasing the results and recognition achieved.

He emphasized sustainability using a “seek truth from facts” approach.

G2E Asia Returns with

Non-Gaming Innovations

Having been held for 15 consecutive years, G2E Asia returns to the Venetian Macao from May 7 to 9. The exhibition area has increased by 25% year-on-year, with non-gaming attractions also growing by 25%.

The total exhibition space exceeds 30,000 square meters, showcasing cutting-edge products and technologies from over 150 exhibitors across various sectors of the entertainment and tourism industries.

“Renewed momentum in non-gaming investment is helping reshape the broader tourism economy and redefining what integrated resorts can offer. And the future is taking shape in a number of promising markets, including construction underway by MGM for a USD10 billion integrated resort in Osaka, which is expected to welcome 20 million visitors annually and reshape Japan’s tourism,” said Bill Miller, CEO and president of the American Gaming Association (AGA).

“In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wynn is in the process of building an extraordinary property in Ras Al Khaimah with an opening date in 2027. And in Thailand, policymakers are recognizing and understanding the benefits that gaming can create for that country as well,” he added.

While highlighting Macau as “the most iconic and integrated area in the world for the gaming industry,” Miller believes that Osaka, the UAE, and even Thailand are welcoming new opportunities, showcasing the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry in Asia and beyond.