MACAU International incentive agents have delivered honest opinions on Macau’s destination appeal at a forum organised by Macau Business Tourism Centre (MBTC) last month.

The Macau Incentive Product Assessment Forum from January 25-27 invited 17 international agents on a two-day programme that took in major venues, hotels and incentive products. Delegates presented their feedback and recommendations to members of MBTC’s Industry Partner Programme on the final day.

MBTC consultant, Mike Williams of Gary Grimmer & Company, said: “This was a tremendous learning curve for Macau’s MICE industry, providing first-hand advice from a client’s perspective.”

Several delegates commented on the need for improved international access by air and ferry, fast-track immigration procedures, product development incorporating Macau’s cultural and heritage sites, as well as a greater focus on building long-term relationships with event planners.

Simon Er, general manager – MICE, Safe2Travel, said the current disparity between weekday and weekend rates was a hurdle in establishing Macau as an incentive destination.

William Oh, vice-president of Global Tour, encouraged the development of mid-priced golfing facilities and a smoother transfer process for groups wanting to play in the Chinese city of Zhuhai.

Williams added: “Macau now has some of the world’s biggest and best hardware in new infrastructure, but it needs to continue improving its software to deliver equally high standards to the international incentive market. The strong turnout of industry participants demonstrates their thirst for knowledge and know-how.”