Macao is strengthening its position in the Middle Eastern travel market with an increased focus on Muslim-friendly tourism and high-end travel. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), along with local tourism partners, is actively participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, held in Dubai from April 28 to May 1. This marks a significant step in Macao’s effort to attract more luxury leisure and business travelers from the region while positioning the city as a welcoming destination for Muslim visitors.
The MGTO’s booth at the Arabian Travel Market, themed “Experience Macao,” highlights the city’s dynamic tourism offerings under the concept of “tourism +.” A key component of this year’s showcase is the launch of the Macao for Muslim Travelers – Halal Travel Guide. This new guide provides comprehensive details on Muslim-friendly restaurants, prayer facilities, and tailored travel experiences, ensuring that Macao is recognized as an inclusive destination for Muslim tourists.
In addition to MGTO, representatives from six major Macao-based travel agencies and hotels are also attending the event, holding meetings with industry professionals from the Middle East and other global regions. This collaborative effort underscores Macao’s commitment to tapping into the growing Middle Eastern travel market and building stronger international partnerships.
Targeted Engagement with Middle Eastern Partners
Macao’s participation at ATM 2025 is part of a broader strategy to deepen its engagement with Middle Eastern markets. Earlier this year, MGTO organized a travel delegation to Riyadh and Dubai, where they hosted the Macao Tourism + MICE Product Updates Seminar & Travel Mart. These events highlighted Macao’s luxury leisure offerings and business event capabilities (MICE), while fostering closer ties with local travel companies.
To further strengthen its connections with the region, MGTO hosted 12 key buyers from four Middle Eastern countries at the 13th Macao International Travel Expo (MITE) in late April. This allowed influential decision-makers from the region to explore Macao’s diverse tourism assets firsthand.
Looking ahead, MGTO plans to maintain this momentum with upcoming initiatives. In June, the office will host a familiarization trip for Middle Eastern tourism professionals, offering them an opportunity to explore Macao’s latest developments. Additionally, a media program for regional journalists is scheduled for September, ensuring that Macao’s appeal reaches potential travelers through trusted local voices. MGTO will also continue promoting Macao through Arabic-language campaigns on social media and digital platforms to boost its visibility.
Tapping Into the Muslim Tourism Market
Macao is increasingly focusing on the global Muslim tourism market, recognizing its vast potential. This effort targets not only travelers from the Middle East but also large Muslim populations in key source markets, such as Mainland China, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
A significant step in this direction was the creation of the Halal Horizons Pavilion at the 13th Macao International Travel Expo. The pavilion showcased halal-certified food, souvenirs, wellness products, and even a prayer room built to Islamic standards. This initiative highlighted Macao’s growing ability to meet the needs of Muslim tourists.
Additionally, during the Expo, the CrescentRating Certified: Muslim-Friendly Hotel Grading Seminar was held to help local hoteliers understand the requirements for achieving Muslim-friendly certification. This workshop, along with other educational efforts, is helping Macao’s hospitality industry improve its services for Muslim visitors and ensure that cultural sensitivity is integrated into the city’s tourism offerings.
MGTO is also running training sessions for frontline tourism staff to equip them with the necessary skills to meet the expectations of Muslim travelers. These initiatives are expected to enhance Macao’s appeal not only to visitors from the Middle East but also to a broader international audience seeking culturally respectful and inclusive travel options.
Macao’s efforts are set to position the city as a leading destination for Muslim travelers, combining luxury experiences with cultural sensitivity to meet the demands of today’s diverse global visitors.
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