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Maldives consecutively secures the World’s Leading Destination title and other accolades at WTA 2021

Maldives consecutively secures the World’s Leading Destination title and other accolades at WTA 2021

It was a triumphant night for Maldives as the country once again secured the World’s Leading Destination title and other accolades at World Travel Awards 2021. The announcement was made at the WTA 2021 ceremony held virtually on 16th December 2021.

Established in 1993, World Travel Awards is the most prestigious honors program in global travel.  The award is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. The distinguished award is of great value to the destination, especially as it was achieved during such a challenging time. Maldives won the title by competing against 18 destinations including Dubai, Indonesia, Spain, Vietnam, USA and Greece.

Speaking about the achievement, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations (MMPRC) Thoyyib Mohamed expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who voted for Maldives. MD Thoyyib noted that the achievement is possible due to the concerted efforts of the Government of Maldives, the Ministry of Tourism, other authorities, associations, NGOs and all tourism sector stakeholders. He particularly acknowledged the tireless effort of MMPRC employees in maintaining destination presence, marketing the destination as a safe haven, promoting our tourism products and our unique geography and experiences which promoted travelers confidence towards the destination post covid.

This is the second time the Maldives won the World’s Leading Destination in a row. The Maldives won the prestigious award last year during one of the most challenging periods for the tourism industry. The award is a testament to the strength, dedication, effort and planning shown by the Maldivian government during the pandemic. During the marketing efforts, emphasis was placed on promoting the unique geographical formation of the Maldivian islands and the key USP ‘one-island-one-respect-concept’. These characteristics make Maldives one of the safest destinations to travel to, thus making it a ‘safe haven’ for all travellers.

Several marketing activities and campaigns were carried out in 2021, providing a platform for tourists from around the world to relive the happiness and rediscover the wonders of Maldives. MMPRC carried out 209 different marketing activities in 24 global markets in 2021. These include 109 marketing campaigns in 24 markets, 60 fairs & virtual events, 10 roadshows and 30 familiarization trips. With interviews and other participation over 400 activities were conducted in 2021.

Maldives has also won 4 awards in the Indian Ocean category at World Travel Awards, attesting to this. These categories are Indian Ocean's Leading Destination 2021, Indian Ocean's Leading Beach Destination, Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Destination 2021, Indian Ocean's Leading Tourist Board 2021. The destination has also won the famed Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination award 14 times within the last 18 years.

Macao Government Tourism Office Launches E-Learning Program for Malaysian Travel Industry

Macao Government Tourism Office Launches E-Learning Program for Malaysian Travel Industry

Kuala Lumpur, 15 December 2021 – Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) introduces a new training program, ‘Macao E-Learning’ for the Malaysian travel industry. The program is designed to upskill industry professionals including front-liners, product managers, tour operators and travel agencies, on ways to promote the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) effectively.

With comprehensive travel training, the online course offers everything needed to become an expert in selling the destination, together with special interest tourism and building itineraries with MGTO’s new Smart Trip Planner. The self-paced learning allows time to focus on things that are challenging or new, and also breeze past familiar topics.

MGTO Representative in Malaysia Tunku Dato’ Seri (Dr) Iskandar Tunku Abdullah said, “ As Malaysians are able to travel overseas for leisure again, we are confident that the Macao ELearning Programme will help increase the travel agents’ knowledge on the destination’s amazing offerings, which in turn will lead to increased sales activity and lengths of stay for visitors.

The enhanced training programme consists of 8 modules focusing on these topics:

Practical Information - Containing a brief history of Macao, transportation, international connectivity and accommodation choices.

Explore Macao & the Greater Bay Area (GBA) - Explains Macao’s participation in the development of China’s Greater Bay Area, which is a megalopolis of 9 cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Huizhou, and Zhaoqing) and 2 administrative regions in South China (Macao and Hong Kong). This module also emphasises each destination’s unique selling points in the GBA.

City of Gastronomy - Elaborates on Macao’s assets which lead it to be designated as a UNESCO Creative City under the field of gastronomy in 2017. The module highlights Macanese gastronomy, which is part of the SAR’s intangible cultural heritage. As part of its efforts to promote to the Muslim market, this module includes in detail the options of halalcertified, Muslim-owned, or Muslim-friendly eateries to choose from in Macao.

UNESCO World Heritage - Macao is well-known for its beautiful and well-preserved historic sites. This section goes into detail on the many monuments, squares, religious structures and historic buildings in the Historic Centre of Macao.

Unique Experiences - Provides a rundown on the array of dazzling shows, daring sports activities, recommended shopping experiences, beautiful New 8 Scenic Spots and new attractions such as the new Grand Prix Museum.

Events & Festivities - Elaborates on the highlights of Macao’s lively event calendar such as the Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo and Art Macao.

Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) Tourism - Explains MGTO’s newly revived Travel Stimulation Program which encourages events aimed at Incentive Tourism, Wedding Tourism, Student Tourism and Sports Tourism.

Smart Trip Planner - This website and a one-stop mobile application optimises different existing tourism digital applications by MGTO. This module goes on to explain the usage of this smart application to plan itineraries with ease and convenience.

The entire e-learning course is supplemented with engaging videos, gorgeous photos and colourful infographics as well as quizzes to “test” the learners at the end of each topic. Each module builds on the next to help the travel trades to grow more confident in selling Macao.

The Macao E-learning program is free to enrol and the learners will be accorded with a certificate upon completion. This is an extension of MGTO’s Macao Amigos program which was initiated to equip the travel trades with the right knowledge and tools to sell Destination Macao.

Travel agents will gain the knowledge and have tools needed to aid selling efforts and increase professionalism, which leads to better revenue opportunities, especially after understanding the varied product offerings of the destination. As Macao’s reputation as a ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure’ continues to grow, travellers considering the destination will favour the travel agents and tour operators with planning expertise gained from the Macao E-Learning program.

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Media inquiries:
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Representative in Malaysia
Tel: +603 2144 2500
Email: mgto@pacificworld.travel
Facebook & Instagram Page: Macao Tourism Malaysia
YouTube: MYMacao TV

Light up Macao Drone Gala debuts to offer a brand-new spectacle of light and sound

Light up Macao Drone Gala debuts to offer a brand-new spectacle of light and sound

Macao, 7 December 2021 – Curtains were lifted upon the Light up Macao Drone Gala at Nam Van Lake on 4 December as a brand-new extravaganza organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). After attending the kick-off ceremony of the Macao Light Festival 2021 and the Light up Macao Drone Gala at the seaside next to Macao Science Center, various guests headed to Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre to watch the first drone show. 300 drones dazzled across the night sky, symbolizing the vibrant splendor of Macao.

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Director of Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Tai Kin Ip; President of Civil Aviation Authority, Simon Chan; Vice President of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Cheong Lai San; Head of Department of Cultural and Recreational Affairs and Civic Education of Municipal Affairs Bureau, Patsy Ko Pui San; Head of Publicity and Promotion Division of Marine and Water Bureau, Ng Chan Teng, and Curator of Macao Science Center, Sio Hon Pan, were present to enjoy the debut of the new spectacle.

Dual spectacles of light and drones dazzle Macao

The first drone show which unveiled the Gala was presented by a creative team from Shenzhen. Themed as “Drone Gala ‧ Macao Light Festival”, the show marshaled a fleet of 300 drones to dazzle the cityscape, symbolizing Macao’s vibrant splendor. Upon the night sky, the drones formed a variety of sparkling patterns imbued with Macao’s characteristic elements such as lotus, World Heritage architectures and Macao Tourism Mascot MAK MAK, to share the love of Macao with spectators. Depicting a space rocket flying to Mars, the drone show also resonated with the theme “Travellers from Mars” of Macao Light Festival 2021 and highlighted Macao’s image as a safe and glamorous destination. The guests joined the public to enjoy the show on site and get immersed in the jolly ambience woven by both final mega events in December.

More drone shows to come into the limelight

Following the debut shows, more drone shows of the Light up Macao Drone Gala will ensue above Nam Van Lake at 19:00 and 21:45 per night on 11, 18, 20 and 25 December, to fill the weekends of this festive month with sparkling delight for residents and visitors, as well as in celebration of the Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR and Christmas. The drone shows are choreographed in sync with music and narration streaming from loudspeakers installed at the lakeside pavements along Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van spanning from Anim’Arte NAM VAN to the vicinity of the great white canopy, for spectators to enjoy wondrous spectacles of light and sound with enhanced effect and ambience.

The Light up Macao Drone Gala is a visual art extravaganza that takes place upon the canopy of the night sky. It orchestrates a symphony of technology, integrated 2D and 3D design, light and sound effects, resembling a constellation of stars that adorn the city’s skyline. The Gala conjures a fresh nighttime entertainment experience for the eyes of residents and visitors, deepening integration across the sectors of “tourism +”.

Strict compliance with pandemic prevention
Free choice of time slots for staggered admission
Live broadcast on TV channels

Upon admission to the designated audience area from Anim’Arte NAM VAN to the vicinity of the great white canopy, spectators are required to present their green Health Code and undergo temperature checks, as well as to maintain at least one-meter social distance and wear masks throughout the time on site. Venue code is also posted on site for spectators to scan through the mobile app of Macao Health Code for itinerary record. As each show will be staged twice each night, audience can enjoy the shows at their preferred time slots, enabling staggered admission to minimize overcrowding. Audience can also enjoy the relevant broadcast of the shows on TDM – Macao TV Channel (21:45 every show night) and TDM Entertainment TV Channel (19:00 and 21:45 every show night) with the synchronized music streaming from
TDM - Radio Macao's Chinese Channel (FM100.7) every scheduled evening.

Adverse weather contingency plan

The function/performance and communication channel of drones are subject to variations in wind speed and rainfall rate. The shows can take place under suitable conditions at the wind speed of 31 – 40 km/hour or below without rainfall. MGTO will consider the weather forecast of the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau and assess the actual situation. If the situation requires postponement or cancellation of the shows due to weather conditions, technical issues or other influences, the Office will announce the news to the public as soon as possible.

MGTO will continue to deepen cross-sector integration of “tourism +”, joining hands with different sectors to steer Macao’s tourism industry towards diversification, innovation and sustainable development. The Office will present a great diversity of events and activities in the future to enrich travelers’ experience in Macao.

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Media inquiries:
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Representative in Malaysia
Tel: +603 2144 2500
Email: mgto@pacificworld.travel
Facebook & Instagram Page: Macao Tourism Malaysia
YouTube: MYMacao TV

“Macao Light Festival 2021 – Travellers from Mars” splendidly opens Weaving a sparkling journey across Macao communities

“Macao Light Festival 2021 – Travellers from Mars” splendidly opens Weaving a sparkling journey across Macao communities

Macao, 7 December 2021 – “Macao Light Festival 2021 – Travellers from Mars” was splendidly unveiled concurrently with the Light up Macao Drone Gala, another mega event organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) as well. The opening ceremony took place by the seaside next to Macao Science Center on 4 December, weaving a magical journey in Macao for residents and visitors.

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Director of Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Tai Kin Ip; Acting Director of Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Huang Yujie; Vice President of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Cheong Lai San; Vice President of Sports Bureau, Lam Lin Kio; Head of Department of Cultural and Recreational Affairs and Civic Education of Municipal Affairs Bureau, Patsy Ko Pui San; Head of Publicity and Promotion Division of Marine and Water Bureau, Ng Chan Teng; Curator of Macao Science Center, Sio Hon Pan, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of TDM – Teledifusão de Macau, S.A., Lorman Lo, officiated the kickoff ceremony to lift curtains on “Macao Light Festival 2021 – Travellers from Mars” and the Light up Macao Drone Gala.

Cross-sector integration of “tourism + culture & creativity” to fuel community economy

In her speech, Senna Fernandes highlighted that the Macao Light Festival, held for the seventh year, has won the love of residents and visitors. On the other hand, the Light up Macao Drone Gala is a new  extravaganza organized by MGTO. The synergy of both events is anticipated to lead a greater influx of residents and visitors into different communities for sightseeing and spending. She hopes that the events can hence enrich travelers’ experience in town and integrate the sectors of “tourism + culture and creativity” more profoundly while benefiting community businesses and fueling the momentum of the nighttime and community economy.

Macao Light Festival lights up communities

“Macao Light Festival 2021 – Travellers from Mars” is held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. from 4 December 2021 until 2 January 2022 (the last projection mapping show starts at 9:50 p.m. per night), to radiate  sparkling joy and positive vibes for residents and visitors while highlighting Macao’s image as a healthy and quality travel destination. Colorful light installations, interactive games and projection mapping shows are lighting up 17 locations along seven routes across different districts as follows: Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior (NAPE), Nam Van District, Northern District, Praia do Manduco District, Central  District, Taipa and Coloane.

The performance teams from Macao, Hengqin, Changsha and Tokyo present four themed projection mapping shows upon different unique architectures and travel attractions as follows:

  1. Macao Science Center: “Original Flavour of Macao” is presented by a performance team from Changsha as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts;
  2. Largo do Pagode do Bazar at Central District: “We” is presented by the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin;
  3. Largo dos Bombeiros in Taipa: GLID is presented by a performance team from Tokyo. The team cannot come to Macao in person owing to the pandemic situation but passed on its production through the Internet to a local coordinator that offers equipment and technicians to assist with projection mapping;
  4. Chapel of St. Francis Xavier in Coloane: “In Pair” is presented by a local performance team.

For more details, please visit MGTO’s website for Macao Light Festival 2021 (mlf.macaotourism.gov.mo/index_en.html) and official Wechat ID.

Pandemic prevention measures

A range of pandemic prevention measures are adopted for Macao Light Festival 2021. Entrances and exits are set up at the designated event areas with implementation of crowd management measures.  According to the actual situation on site, the audience can line up for admission and are required to present their Macao Health Code in green color, undergo temperature checks and maintain at least one-meter social distance, in addition to wearing masks throughout the time on site. Venue codes are also posted on site for spectators to scan through the mobile app of Macao Health Code for itinerary records. MGTO is closely monitoring the pandemic situation and will rigorously comply with Health Bureau’s pertinent guidelines to make prompt arrangements in accord.

The Office will forge ahead to deepen cross-sector integration of “tourism +” and steer the community tourism and economy forward. In the future, MGTO will continue to present a diversity of spectacular events and activities to enrich travellers’ experiences in Macao.

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Media inquiries:
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Representative in Malaysia
Tel: +603 2144 2500
Email: mgto@pacificworld.travelFacebook & Instagram Page: Macao Tourism Malaysia
YouTube: MYMacao TV

 

Dive and underwater experiences available in the Maldives showcased at Malaysia International Dive Expo 2021

Dive and underwater experiences available in the Maldives showcased at Malaysia International Dive Expo 2021

Dive and underwater experiences available in the Maldives showcased at Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2021. Visit Maldives is taking part in this event, held in Kuala Lumpur from 3rd - 5th December 2021.

MIDE is one of the largest expos which bring together dive enthusiasts and marine conservationists from around the world. This is the first time Visit Maldives is taking part in this event in the ongoing effort to promote the Maldives as the most preferred destination among Southeast Asian, especially Malaysian travelers. MIDE provides the opportunity to interact with consumers as well as industry professionals and top travel trade partners.

Through this event, Visit Maldives is showcasing the dive, watersports, and underwater experiences available for enthusiasts in the Maldives. It will help promote the destination as a safe haven for travelers seeking underwater experiences, from the Southeast Asia market. Maldives is showcasing the individual resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards options available in the country for water sports and dive enthusiasts. We are also marketing the unique geography of the country, with scattered islands allowing natural social distancing for visitors. Unique experience available in the destination for visitors is being promoted during this event as well.

The event aims to reach over 13,000 key TOs and agents selling Maldives as a dive destination with the most updated destination information.

The participation in this event is aligned with Visit Maldives’ strategy for the SEA market. This strategy aims to maintain and strengthen the destination presence in the SEA and Malaysia market. Furthermore, the strategy also aims to update the travel trade with the latest destination news, and provide opportunities for travel trade and tourists from this market to clarify the questions and concerns of the key stakeholders.

Visit Maldives have been holding several activities, including webinars, road shows, joint marketing campaigns on a variety of platforms while participating in fairs and exhibitions with the objective of maintaining destination momentum, increasing arrivals from top, new and emerging markets. By November 11th Maldives welcomed over 1,060,004 tourists to the country, reaching the 1 million arrival mark 2 months ahead of the target date.