Macao solidified its position as an international tourism hub by hosting the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) 2025 Summit from June 2-5. The high-profile event, which brought together over 100 travel industry leaders from across Europe, was a strategic move by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) to rebuild ties with the European travel trade and attract more visitors from the region.
The summit’s gala dinner on June 4 was attended by Anton Tai Kin Ip, the secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR Government, who emphasized Macao’s aim to deepen tourism cooperation with Europe, particularly in the realm of multi-destination travel. MGTO has made strengthening Europe-Asia collaboration a key priority, and the ECTAA summit represented a significant step forward in this strategic initiative.
ECTAA president Frank Oostdam echoed the sentiment, calling for stronger partnerships based on mutual understanding and practical engagement. He praised Macao as an example of efforts to move beyond mere intention and towards real, tangible cooperation.
The Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), a driving force behind bringing the summit to Macao, also participated enthusiastically. APAVT president Pedro Costa Ferreira expressed confidence that European delegates would develop a lasting interest in the destination and pledged continued collaboration with MGTO.
Over the course of four days, the summit featured board meetings, panel discussions on Europe-Asia tourism, networking events, and site visits throughout Macao and neighboring Hengqin. Delegates connected with 65 local representatives from the travel and hospitality sectors, exploring landmarks like the Ruins of St Paul’s, Senado Square, and Taipa Village.
The ECTAA 2025 Summit is one of two major European tourism events hosted by MGTO this year, the other being the 50th APAVT Congress scheduled for December 2-4, which is expected to draw around 700 delegates. These initiatives are part of MGTO’s broader strategy to rebuild and strengthen ties with the European travel trade, ultimately driving increased visitation from the region to Macao. As an international tourism hub with unique connections to Mainland China, Macao is poised to benefit greatly from these enhanced Europe-Asia partnerships.
