European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations Choose Macao as “Preferred Destination 2025” and Host City for Summit, Boosting European Visitor Source Markets

The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) have announced that Macao will be the host city of the “ECTAA 2025 Macao Summit” and its “Preferred Destination 2025.” This exciting news was revealed at the 12th Macao International Travel Expo, with key figures from the tourism industry in attendance.

The summit, set to bring together member associations from 30 countries in Europe, will provide a unique opportunity to showcase Macao’s “tourism +” offerings to top travel agents and tour operators. This initiative aims to expand international visitor markets and promote Macao as a preferred destination for European travelers.

The collaboration between the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT) is part of a strategic effort to increase visitor arrivals from Portugal, Spain, and Europe post-pandemic. By hosting the summit and designating Macao as the preferred destination for 2025, the city hopes to raise its profile and attract more visitors from Europe.

The President of APAVT, Pedro Costa Ferreira, emphasized the significance of bringing together the European market and Macao, highlighting the benefits of this partnership. The Vice President of ECTAA, Heli Mäki-Fränti, expressed optimism about the collaboration, believing it will strengthen relations between Macao and European travel professionals.

The “ECTAA 2025 Macao Summit” will gather heads of travel associations from 30 European countries for a General Assembly and Board Meeting, providing them with insights into Macao’s tourism development. Additionally, promotional efforts will be made throughout the year to showcase Macao as a preferred destination for European travelers.

As the city continues to engage with European travel trade and media, the hosting of the summit and other events in 2025 will play a crucial role in tapping into the European market and boosting Macao’s tourism economy. This marks a significant step towards a more diversified and thriving tourism industry in Macao.