Supported by China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-ordinated by Macau Travel Agency Association, the 5^th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) will be held in Hall D, Cotai Expo of The Venetian Macao from 7^th to 9^th July. A range of exhibition zones and items will be highlighted at MITE this year in parallel with the Macao SAR Government's participation in the national Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, in addition to showcasing Macao's advantages and what the city has to offer.

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said in her speech that MITE seizes the latest development opportunities, leverages Macao's unique strengths and enhances its role as a bridge for exchange and co-operation, in parallel with the MSAR Government's work. Committed to the top-down design of the Belt and Road initiative, the SAR Government strives to systemically combine the related work with its endeavours to forge Macao into “one centre and one platform” and foster the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, integrating such endeavours with national development. With CNTA's great support and the collaborative efforts of all participating entities, she believes MITE will make an increasingly stronger impact in bringing together tourism and other related industries from the Mainland and worldwide, with the hope of creating a stronger partnership and business opportunities in tourism, while continuing to enhance Macao's role and function in the development of the national economy and its opening up to the world.

Now in its fifth edition, MITE is a major annual event for the Macao tourism community. It is dedicated to forging a platform that brings together delegates from the tourism and relevant industries from near and far to exchange ideas, build partnerships and enjoy a common share in visitor markets. The event not only covers six key elements of the tourism industry - dining, lodging, transportation, entertainment, sightseeing and shopping - but also gathers professionals and operators from tourism and other related sectors worldwide, including travel agencies, hotels, scenic spots and attractions, transportation as well as other travel-related services.

The event aspires to demonstrate Macao's capability to organize professional travel fairs and comprehensive strengths as an international travel destination, in line with Macao's goal to become a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

The six featured exhibition zones and items are: 1) China's Maritime Silk Road Exhibition Zone: revolving around the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting tourism resources of the Mainland provinces and cities along the Maritime Silk Road; 2) Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: showcasing the development plan and progress of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with a themed presentation seminar;

3) The Tourism Commodity Fair and Promotion of Leisure Travel Exchange between Mainland China and Macao: promoting Chinese tourism crafts and related industries, and enhancing exchange and co-operation between the Mainland and Macao enterprises on leisure tourism. The Fair and meeting will be attended by Mainland tourism businesses invited by CNTA; 4) China - Portugal Tourism Seminar & Networking: held last year for the first time, this session continues to promote Macao's role as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries by providing an exchange and networking platform for members of the travel trade from both sides;

5) Macao Street Exhibition Zone: showcasing and promoting Macao's tourism resources and products; 6) Nostalgic Creative Zone: introducing old and renowned local stores plus display of cultural and creative products among others. In addition, this edition is set to enhance business matching, forge an effective networking and promotional platform for exhibitors and industry buyers to explore new travel styles, while providing useful travel tips for travel enthusiasts.

As at the end of June, around 180 enterprises and entities from 40 countries and regions have confirmed their participation in MITE, including travel agencies, hotels, tourist attractions, transportation operators and travel related industries among others.

The co-organizers of the Expo this year include the Tourism Development Committee, Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Federation of Trade Unions, the General Union of Neighbours Association of Macau, the Women's General Association of Macau, Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macau, Travel Industry Council of Macau and Association of Macao Tourist Agents.

The Bank of China Limited, Macau Branch is the official premier partner of the Expo, while Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. (TDM) is the media partner for the event. In addition, MGTO will take progressive measures to promote the 5^th MITE via promotional videos and various channels.

For more details about MITE, please visit www.cmitc.com.