Gov’t participates in Arabian Travel Market to boost Middle East tourism

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, taking place in Dubai, UAE, from April 28 to May 1, with the goal of expanding the Middle East market and attracting more high-end international visitors.

At this travel trade show, MGTO has set up a booth under the theme “Experience Macau,” highlighting the destination’s “tourism +” appeal, alongside Muslim-friendly initiatives such as the new Macau for Muslim Travelers – Halal Travel Guide, which is being distributed at the event. Six local travel agencies and hotels are also attending to foster business connections with counterparts from the Middle East and beyond.

This promotion follows MGTO’s earlier initiatives, including a delegation visit to Riyadh and Dubai in February, where the team held the “Macao Tourism + MICE Product Updates Seminar & Travel Mart.”

These efforts aim to enhance cooperation with the travel trade and attract high-end leisure and business visitors.

Additionally, 12 hosted buyers from the Middle East attended the 13th Macao International Travel Expo (MITE), held from April 25-27.

According to a statement, MGTO has planned a familiarization visit to Macau for tourism professionals in June and another for media in September. The office continues its regional promotion in Arabic across social media and other platforms to further increase visitor numbers.

In addition, MGTO is focusing on enhancing the region’s appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination.

Efforts include hosting a Halal Horizons Pavilion at MITE, showcasing halal products and services, and conducting industry training to better serve Muslim tourists, aiming to tap into the growing Muslim travel market from the Middle East and other regions.

Earlier this month, the MGTO pledged that it will have a stronger focus and increase its promotion aiming at Islamic countries, namely those of the so-called Gulf Cooperation Council.

The government’s goal this year is to attract three million international visitors.