With Hong Kong an important tourism partner for Macau, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has organized a series of promotional activities revolving round the Hong Kong tourism industry this month. These include Friends of Macau Gathering and Christmas Evening Cocktail Reception, as well as inviting members of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to visit Macau. In order to encourage greater foreign visitation, MGTO will attend the annual meeting of USTOA, the Portuguese Association of Tourism and Travel Agents, host 'Macau for 2016' in Japan, and also invite the media representatives of Malaysia to participate in this month's mega Macau International Marathon.

Japan

MGTO Japan plans to host its 'Macau for 2016' in December in both Osaka and Tokyo - the two major markets in Japan - combining marketing seminar, business meeting session and a dinner reception for travel industry partners under one roof. The event in Osaka will be on 1^st December followed by one in Tokyo on 3^rd December, marking the final event of the year.

The event will introduce MGTO Japan's marketing strategy for 2016 while generating more productive co-operation and collaboration from partners in the coming year. The programme in both cities will include a product seminar and workshop for planners and purchasing staff, along with a seminar for sales staff, and group and education tour professionals, including those handling incentives.

Hong Kong

Throughout the year, MGTO has received continuous support from its incentive travel counterparts in promotion at Macau Tourism. In order to express its gratitude to MGTO's counterparts and to promote Macau tourism, a 'Friends of Macau Gathering' is to be held on 3^rd December attended by representatives from the Hong Kong and Macau industries. This will not only facilitate the sharing of experiences but the planning of the upcoming year's tourism promotion. In addition, the MGTO representative will host a Christmas Cocktail Reception at the RIVA and The Deck Restaurant, Park Lane Hotel on 11^th December. Over 100 corporate incentive planners, incentive agents and Macau trade partners will be invited to celebrate the festive season.

USA

Members of MGTO's U.S. office will attend the 2015 USTOA conference from 3^rd to 5^th December. This year's conference - to be held in Chicago, Illinois - is sold out and anticipates more than 700 attendees, representing North American tour operators, DMCs, and suppliers from domestic and international travel destinations. MGTO USA will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with more than 15 top tour operators to update them about Macau's latest products and developments, encouraging sales and travel to Macau.

Portugal

The MGTO Portugal Office will participate in the annual national congress taking place from 3^rd to 6^th December in the Algarve, in Southern Portugal. On 4^th December, MGTO will host a 'Macau Day' with a 'Macau Lunch' as a highlight, in addition to manning a booth for the duration of the congress to promote Macau. A photographic exhibition on Macau by Portuguese street photographer Rui Palha, and a collective photographic exhibition by Chinese photographers, promoted by the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, on the roles of women in modern China, will also be displayed. This year's motto is 'Tourism: Sharing the Future', with an anticipated participation of around 400 industry members.

Macau

MGTO Malaysia office is collaborating with sports brand Reebok to bring nine media influencers to participate in and experience the upcoming Macau International Marathon and Parade through Macau, Latin City from 5^th to 7^th December. Reebok brand ambassador Steven Goh who is participating in the event is a celebrity photographer and combat instructor. During his running trip in Macau, he will be sharing his experiences with his followers and uploading pictures to his social media platform.

A product update luncheon will be organized on 16^th December for the members of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. The luncheon seeks to establish a closer relationship with TIC members and also enhance their knowledge of Macau Tourism.