Boosting MICE in Macao

Magazine:
19th Mar, 2015
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Up until not so long ago, Macao’s image was mostly a touristic one, but things have changed: the dedicated MICE department is up and running, support programmes have been set up, while great meeting infrastructures are developing at the speed of light.

Support Programmes
There are two different programmes organisers can benefit from. Firstly, the International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Program aims to encourage the diversity and to enrich the contents and quality of MICE events held in Macao, and, at the same time, to instigate a boost to the industry’s competitiveness. Under the Program, applicants organising events identified as ‘International Meetings’ and ‘Trade Fairs’ are eligible to receive a series of basic assistance and financial support.

Secondly, the Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Program provides assistance and support to organisers who hold events in Macao, with the ultimate goal of sharpening the competitive edge of Macao's convention and exhibition industry. It offers a series of financial support, subsidies including 25% of the actual amount paid for the rental of exhibition venues rental will be granted for qualified exhibitions, 10% of accommodation costs incurred at local hotels with a maximum of five nights’ accommodation will be granted for qualified meetings, conventions and exhibitions.

Information about the programmes can be obtained at Macao Economic Services - Email: ddceae@economia.gov.mo, Website: www.economia.gov.mo

A small MICE paradise
Macao is no longer a gambling paradise, but a true MICE paradise. A city in full change, it boasts many hidden values: architecture, history, visible ties with Portugal, new conference hotels, appealing restaurants… you name it, Macao has it!

In terms of infrastructure, there always seems to be something happening in Macao, with upcoming new attractions. A fourth property at Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, the Parisian Macao will open in late 2015, featuring approximately 3,000 rooms and suites, gaming space, a retail mall, replica Eiffel Tower, MICE space, diverse food and beverage and entertainment options.

Set to be Asia's first leisure resort to integrate television and film production facilities, retail, gaming and hotels, Studio City Macau should open later this year. Situated close to the Lotus Bridge immigration point connecting Hengqin Island and a future station-point for the Macau Light Rapid Transit, it will include four hotels, complete with meeting space: Ritz-Carlton, W Hotel, Marriott Hotel and Tang Hotel, as well as flexible to organise meetings of any size or format.

Officially opened in 2011, Galaxy Macau, Macau's first Asian-centric and fully integrated resort, is entering a second phase of development: it was announced that JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels would be be added to the Cotai resort, with operations beginning gradually from 2016 through 2018. This will nicely complement the Galaxy’s numerous recreational and entertainment facilities.

(Photo: Parisian Macao)
 

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