The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart (PTM) 2017 - hosted by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) from 13^th to 15^th September in Macao - marked the 40^th edition of the prestigious event, attracting more than 1,130 delegates from 66 destinations, including 460 sellers and close to 300 buyers, the latter representing a 13 per cent increase vis-a-vis the previous edition. Participants also included around 100 registered local and international media and bloggers, with the total exhibition floor space occupying more than 3,330 square metres, seven per cent more than PTM 2016.

Alexis Tam presided over opening ceremony

Inaugurated on 14^th September, the opening ceremony of PTM 2017 was presided over by Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Chairman of the Host Committee for PATA Travel Mart 2017.

Alexis Tam mentioned that despite intense global competition in the travel and tourism market, the significant number of participants in PTM indicates the high interest in the Asia Pacific region. The 40^th anniversary of Travel Mart this year marked an important milestone, he said, consolidating PATA as a leading international tourism leader in Asia Pacific. He encouraged PATA members to focus on delivering the best opportunities and working to build this important industry.

Secretary Tam also mentioned that Macao is poised to chart a course to the next level of developing into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, saying the territory is committed to broadening tourism offerings and diversifying visitor source markets on the one hand, while valuing education and training as a sustainable way of improving industry standards and service quality.

He also remarked upon the MSAR Government and private sector's co-operation in the tourism industry observing that the collaborative link is important in promoting initiatives as well as tackling problems by stakeholders engaged in the system, in both good times and bad.

PATA Chief Executive Officer Mario Hardy said that PTM would continue to provide a great business platform for networking opportunities for buyers and sellers from around the world, with the success of the event as well as previous Travel Marts results showing the importance of PTM.

He also mentioned that PTM acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region, with the partnership between PATA and industry colleagues vital in achieving such goals.

The partnership between MGTO and PATA, he said, is a perfect example of such co-operation, helping bring together over 1,000 delegates from around the world to learn, network and explore Macao.

Macao in spotlight of Travel Mart

Participant exhibitors ranged from official tourism organisations to leading travel companies and small and medium-sized enterprises, not to mention airlines, hotels, and others from Asia Pacific and beyond. While the majority of business meetings were arranged from over 10,000 pre-scheduled appointments, several functions were also scheduled for delegates to network.

As host destination, MGTO occupied one of the biggest booths at the event, measuring 517.5 square metres, inviting visitors to 'Experience Macao Your Own Style' and glimpse the territory's many tourism attractions. The booth also featured a dedicated area for around 30 Macao tourism operators, including hotels, travel agencies, transport companies, and more, to meet with their international counterparts and promote their businesses. MGTO also took the opportunity to promote the attractions of Mainland China regions apropos its China Maritime Silk Road Tourism Promotion Alliance.

In addition, MGTO, along with the Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, promoted multi-destination tourism in the three neighbouring regions at the travel show with a joint booth and luncheon for delegates. On behalf of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tourism Marketing Organization, chaired this year by MGTO, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes briefed delegates during the luncheon about the efforts to promote multi-destination tourism in the region abroad and in Greater China.