Macau spreads the word in Middle East
DUBAI: After dipping a toe into the water last year, Macau had a booth at this week’s Arabian Travel Market in a bid to show that it is getting serious about business from the Middle East.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, deputy director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, said the Middle East market was one that Macau wanted to explore. “There is a lot of affluence in this region, not only among the Arabs but also the expatriates.
“We want to get the word out there. We want people to know about Macau.”
Fernandes said a recent MOU signed with Malaysia would enable both destinations to share information and know-how. “There is a lot we can learn from Malaysia, which has been very successful in marketing to the Middle East.”
Fernandes said Macau could also learn from Las Vegas, “which has evolved from a pure gaming destination to one that is growing its entertainment and convention and exhibition business.”
“The casino developers in Macau are very supportive in helping us to bring out the other aspects of Macau – the culture, retail and, of course, the food. There is a good synergy between the casinos and other projects,” she said.
by Ian Jarrett
Ian Jarrett
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