‘Tariff War’ between China and US not yet affecting tourism

The director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Helena de Senna Fernandes, has said that the escalating conflict between China and the USA has not yet impacted tourism.

Questioned on the matter on the sidelines of the press conference unveiling this year’s Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE), Senna Fernandes said that the local authorities are keeping a close eye on the matter and looking into potential consequences in the future. Still, for the moment, there are no immediate effects.

“So far, we have not yet been directly or indirectly affected. But the situation can change at any moment, so we must be vigilant at all times,” she said, adding, “We are paying a close eye on what is happening and following all developments. If necessary, we’ll take measures to adjust our promotions accordingly.”

She also remarked that the MGTO has not yet changed or adjusted its promotional campaign plans.

“We are keeping all promotion activities as planned, and we have not yet made any adjustments,” she reaffirmed.

The 13th edition of MITE will feature more than 600 exhibitors from 60 countries late this month, and 500 professional companies from the tourism sector are expected to join.

The number of exhibitors has increased by 50% compared to the previous edition, and the MGTO director also noted that besides being a platform to showcase Macau and its tourism potential, the MITE must be, every time more, a platform that helps to sell the tourism products from other countries and regions.

The event will occur from April 25 to 27 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Cotai Expo at the Venetian Macao.

Among the highlights of this year is a new Coffee Station, included in the gastronomy promotions, that will feature the coffee culture of Macau and the different Portuguese-speaking countries and showcase their coffee products, among other things.

Senna Fernandes also added that this year, the MITE will have an even stronger presence of technology and Artificial Intelligence products and services, which, she said, will also help link people from different parts of the world, facilitating communication and information provision.