Empowering Tourism Practitioners with Multicultural Knowledge to Elevate Macau’s Global Image
In support of the Macao SAR Government’s goal to expand the international tourist market, the “1+4” economic diversification strategy, and the Macao Government Tourism Office’s (MGTO) “Macao Courtesy Campaign”, MGM collaborated with MGTO to organize a training seminar today (November 5) at the Grand Ballroom of MGM MACAU. The theme of the seminar is the expansion of international tourist markets. Earlier this year, the two parties launched the “Macao Welcomes You” Training Programs for International Guests and the “Together We Deliver Exceptional Hospitality as Tourism Ambassadors” Training Series. This seminar is the third event in the joint training series for 2024. MGM remains committed to working with government departments and the community to provide engaging training programs for the general public. Through organizing these events, MGM aims to cultivate a culture of hospitality and contribute to making Macao a courteous city, while holding such events could support sustainable, high-quality tourism development.
Distinguished guests of today’s seminar are Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the MGTO, Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director of the MGTO; Guo Xiaohui, Director of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Dr Iwan Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality of MGM, and Francis Tan, Vice President of Learning & Talent Management of MGM. Representatives from the Assessment Committee of the Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme, professionals from the tourism and other related sectors, local university faculty and students, as well as over 200 MGM team members attended the seminar.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said at the event, “The needs of travelers and the tourism landscape in Macau are constantly evolving. The two sessions of today’s seminar will focus on the consumption behavior of tourists from different regions in mainland China and the needs of Muslim travelers. The aim is to enable the tourism industry to provide customized services and develop amenities for emerging visitor markets. We hope that you will continue to support the ‘Macao Courtesy Campaign’, work together to enhance Macau’s international image, and further polish Macao’s ‘golden business card’ as an international metropolis.”
Dr. Iwan Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality of MGM, said: “As tourism practitioners, we are all ‘tourism ambassadors’. To fulfill this important role, we have to provide exceptional services to our guests. This is not only our responsibility, but also reflects our identity as residents of Macau, a world-class tourism and leisure destination. MGM is honored to work with MGTO continuously to provide training programs like this seminar. We hope that today’s event will deepen participants’ understanding of different cultures and prepare them to welcome international visitors.”
The speakers who spoke at the seminar were Matthew Liu, Director of the Centre for Continuing Education and Professor at the Faculty of Business Administration of the University of Macau (UM), and Sharifa Leung, Managing Director of 3 Hani Enterprises Limited. Liu spoke on “Enhancing Traditional Customer Experience: Consumption Preferences and Regional Differences Among Chinese Tourists”, in which he analyzed the unique consumption habits of tourists from different regions in China and how to better cater to them. Leung’s talk, titled “Strategic Development of Emerging Markets: Muslim-Friendly Restaurants and Establishments”, explored the dietary preferences in Muslim communities and highlighted the key features of restaurants that cater to Muslim diners. This seminar provided participants with valuable insights into understanding the preferences of Chinese tourists and the specific needs of Muslim travelers.
