Macau showcases charm at Huelva’s APAVT congress

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) hosted a vibrant “Macau Night” in Huelva, Spain, on Oct. 25, coinciding with the 49th Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT) Congress. This event aimed to highlight Macau’s appeal as a premier destination for tourism, conventions, and exhibitions.

The evening featured a unique blend of east-meets-west gastronomy and cultural entertainment, showcasing Macau’s rich heritage. Approximately 640 delegates from the Portuguese travel industry attended the dinner, where MGTO extended an invitation to the upcoming 50th APAVT Congress, scheduled for Dec. 2 to 4, 2025, in Macau.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, MGTO director, attended the conference alongside Buddy Lam from Galaxy Entertainment Group. During the event, APAVT symbolically handed over the congress flag to the Macau hosts, marking a significant milestone for the destination.

In her remarks, Senna Fernandes emphasized the readiness of Macau to host a memorable congress that would allow Portuguese travel professionals to explore the city’s evolving tourism landscape post-pandemic.

“This event is the culmination of our collaborative efforts with APAVT to rejuvenate visitor flows between Portugal, Spain, Europe and Macau,” she said.

Pedro Costa Ferreira, president of APAVT, echoed this sentiment, describing the relationship between Macau and APAVT as one of friendship and collaboration. He promised that next year’s congress would be an unparalleled experience in a destination renowned for its cultural diversity.

The dinner showcased Macanese cuisine prepared by renowned chef Graça Pacheco Jorge and featured performances including traditional Chinese dance and other musical performances. Nadia Shaw