Melco highlights Macau’s appeal as a key business and leisure destination in the Philippines

In support of the Macau government’s drive to attract international travelers and diversify visitor sources to the city, Melco Resorts & Entertainment last week hosted an event titled ‘Glow Your Way to Macau’ at City of Dreams Manila to promote Macau’s appeal as a key destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) and leisure. Joined by representatives from Macau’s business associations and tourism and MICE sectors, the event went beyond being an introduction to Melco’s hotel, entertainment, dining, and exhibition facilities in Macau to entice attendees with the diverse historical and cultural offerings and attractions available across the city. Showcasing the Company’s unwavering commitment to promoting Macau as a global hub for both leisure and business travelers, the establishment of Melco’s first sales office in the Philippines at City of Dreams Manila, together with forthcoming sales offices soon to be opened in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Republic of Cyprus, was also announced.

David Sisk

Mr. David Sisk, Melco’s Chief Operating Officer – Macau Resorts, said, “In alignment with the Macau government’s vision of diversifying visitor sources and propelling sustained economic growth, the objective of our ‘Glow Your Way to Macau’ event is to attract a greater influx of international visitors by enhancing their perception of Macau. Through highlighting Macau’s appeal as a key destination for business and leisure travelers, we aim to entice local stakeholders and travelers from the Philippines to visit Macau with its abundance of exciting historical and cultural offerings.”

Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said, “Following the activation of Melco’s Macao Regional Sales Office last month here in Manila, this event celebrates the opening of a brand-new avenue to boost tourism relations between the Philippines and Macao. Melco Resorts needs no introduction neither in the Philippines nor in Macao, and I am very encouraged to see Melco leverage its well-established tourism brand to drive visitor flows between our two sides.”

Mr. Vincent U, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, said, “In our goal to spearhead and accelerate Macau’s sector development, it is great to see Melco continue to implement its drive to promote the city and its MICE infrastructure to overseas markets such as the Philippines. In collaboration with cross-sector stakeholders in Macau, IPIM will strive to attract more international enterprises to hold annual conferences, summits and professional exhibitions in the city, both on a regional and global scale.”

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes

Ms. Sharlene Batin, Regional Director, The Philippine Department of Tourism – National Capital Region, said, “Today’s showcasing event has offered exciting insight into the allure of the city of Macau. We anticipate and look forward to the positive exchanges to be made between both leisure and business travelers from the Philippines and the Greater Bay Area as a result.”

Melco had the esteemed privilege of welcoming Ms. Sharlene Batin, Regional Director, The Philippine Department of Tourism – National Capital Region; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macau Government Tourism Office; and Mr. Vincent U U Sang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, as guest speakers for the event. In addition, the event was attended by guests of honor including Mr. Andy Wu, Chairman of Travel Industry Council of Macau; Mr. Osborn Lo, Chairman of Macau Federal Commercial Association of Convention & Exhibition Industry; Mr. Kenny Lee Koi Ian, Chairman of Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association; Ms. Jocelyn Wong, Chairman of Macau Hotel Association; Mr. He Hai Ming, Chairman of Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors; Mr. Jeffrey Vong Chiok Va, Vice President of Industrial Association of Macau;

Vincent U

Mr. Paul Wong, Chairman of Macau Leisure Tourism Services Innovation Association; Ms. May Wong, Vice-Chairman of Macau Hotelier and Innkeepers Association; Mr. Leong Sio Pan, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-in-Chief of Macau Travel Agency Association; Ms. Jenny Chung Ching Yee, President of The Association of Advertising Agents of Macau; Mr. Navi Sit Man Chong, Council Member of Macau Fair and Trade Association; Mr. Roberto Zozobrado, President of Tourism Congress of the Philippines;

Sharlene Batin

Ms. Fe Abling-Yu, President of Philippine Tour Operators Association; and Ms. Patria Chiong, President of Philippine Travel Agencies Association; along with Dr. Kent Wong, Chief Advisor of Melco, Mr. Kevin Benning, Senior Vice President of Melco and Property General Manager of Studio City; and Mr. Ben Leong, Vice President, Global Marketing of City of Dreams Manila and representatives from various local government departments, plus over 100 local companies including travel agencies, tourism-related organizations, and renowned enterprises.

As one of Macau’s integrated resort operators awarded with the highest number of MICHELIN-stars, Melco’s award-winning culinary team from Macau were invited to craft a sensational 6-course dinner for all guests at the event. Demonstrating the Company’s commitment to providing unparalleled dining and hospitality, the experience left a lasting impression on attendees and further highlighted Macau’s position as a UNESCO-designated Creative City of Gastronomy.