PATA and MGM Launch MICE Capacity Building Programme in Macao, China in September

BANGKOK, September 17, 2024 - The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce the launch of an innovative capacity-building programme for the Asia Pacific tourism sector. With the theme, "Macao MICE Forward: Innovate, Sustain, Excel - Smart Solutions Training for Sustainable MICE", the programme is a collaboration with MGM and will be implemented next week in Macao, China.

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, PATA has been at the forefront of developing and launching a suite of resources, tools, and capacity-building programmes to support the Asia Pacific tourism industry. These initiatives, which provide the tools needed to proactively prepare for future challenges that may arise in the sector's ever-changing landscape, include the Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) programme for destinations, the Finance and Digital Skills programme for tourism SMEs, and the Informal Workers Programme.

Recognising the vital role of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector in driving economic and social development, PATA is now focusing on capacity-building initiatives tailored specifically to this crucial industry. As an important contributor to the visitor economy, MICE continues to evolve. Recent trends, such as the growing adoption of digital technologies and hybrid event models, along with the increasing demand for sustainable practices in event management, are reshaping the sector. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology also create new opportunities for destinations to thrive in this competitive market.

"The shift in the MICE industry highlights the need for greater flexibility and innovation to meet evolving delegates' expectations, with digital readiness and being market-driven," remarked PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. "Macao's ability to drive diversifications and highlight its unique culture, heritage and abundance of attractions suits well to offer the best experience for the MICE travellers. In this respect, PATA is proud to collaborate with MGM to support the positive transformation of Macao's MICE tourism towards a more sustainable and innovative future."

As a global hub for business events, Macao, China, attracts international professionals, fostering knowledge exchange and business opportunities. The influx of high-spending business travellers bolsters local industries, including hospitality, retail and dining, while also enhancing the city's global reputation. MICE tourism plays a critical role in promoting sustainable economic growth, creating jobs and reinforcing the city's status as a premier destination for international events in the Asia Pacific region.

Iwan Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality of MGM, said, "As a company rooted in Macao, MGM is committed to providing guests with innovative and best-in-class hospitality and MICE services, with a strong belief that the future of MICE lies in the seamless integration of smart technologies."

"By partnering with PATA on this comprehensive training program, we aim to equip the current and future practitioners in the MICE industry with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape. Together, we will ensure that Macao continues to excel as a premier destination for international business events, contributing to the city's sustainable economic growth and global connectivity."

PATA and MGM will conduct a comprehensive two-and-a-half-day capacity-building programme in Macao, China, from September 24-26, 2024, targeting local MICE stakeholders. On the first day, the programme underlines crucial Marketing Strategies and the integration of Technology and AI in the MICE industry. Mr Hamid will deliver a keynote presentation, sharing his extensive expertise and insights into current best practices and the evolving landscape of MICE. This will be followed by a session from Ms Sina Bünte, founder of Digitalmind.events, an event management consultancy based in Spain, who will delve into digital marketing strategies, AI in MICE, and the latest digital tools for event management.

The second day will concentrate on MICE Operational Sustainability, where attendees will explore sustainable practices in event management, highlighting successful case studies. Standards, certifications, compliance, and other essential tools for supporting sustainability in the MICE sector are also covered. This session will be led by Ms Adeline Larroque, founder of Ennov-Solutions, a consultancy specialising in sustainable events based in France.

On the final day of the programme, Mr. Hamid, Ms Bünte and Ms Larroque will lead a special session on the topic of Future of International Hospitality and Tourism - Emerging Trends, Technologies, and Practices.This is specially curated to benefit tourism and events students as well as MGM's team members. MGM keenly supports local educational institutions and brings cutting edge knowledge so that our industry as a whole and potential industry talent can be better prepared for the challenges and opportunities that the future brings. A panel discussion on the essential skills for future tourism professionals and the impact of technology on reshaping the tourism industry is highly anticipated.

This training programme has been meticulously designed to address the current needs and challenges of Macao's MICE sector, providing invaluable knowledge and skills to local stakeholders. Further information and updates will be announced soon. For inquiries regarding the MICE Tourism Programme, please contact [email protected].

About MGM

MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in the Greater China region. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and MGM COTAI, a contemporary luxury integrated resort in Cotai, which opened in early 2018 and more than doubles our presence in Macau.

MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. MGM MACAU's world class facilities include the MGM Art Space, dedicating over 5,000 square feet to display authentic works of art, conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.

MGM COTAI is the latest integrated resort of MGM in China. Designed as the "jewelry box" of Cotai, it offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, Asia's first dynamic theater, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings and food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience. The Spectacle at MGM COTAI becomes the record holder of the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting) on January 19, 2019, making it the first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Macau, China. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the only mega complex and hotel in Macau to gain three-star certification in both Green Building Design and Operation Label, as well as the first hotel in the Greater Bay Area and second in Greater China to receive the certifications.

MGM China is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

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