The three-day 13th Macau International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE), which ended at the Venetian Macau’s Cotai Expo yesterday, featured a sports-themed session called “Champions”.
Addressing yesterday’s session, Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes noted that the 15th National Games will be held in November. As a co-host city, Macau will stage five competitions—table tennis, 3x3 basketball, men’s U18 basketball, women’s volleyball, and karate, showcasing, according to Senna Fernandes, Macau’s capacity to deliver world-class events, apart from marking a historic first for Macau, Guangdong and Hong Kong in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Fernandes went on to say in her speech that Macau plans to sustain momentum by organising large-scale sporting events year-round, encouraging the combination of the tourism industry and sporting events.
Also addressing yesterday’s session, Sports Bureau (ID) President Luís Gomes underlined that over 20 major sporting events are slated for this year, including marquee attractions like the Macau Grand Prix (MGP) and Macao International Marathon, blending spectating with sightseeing, creating an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore Macau’s culture while enjoying competitions.
Gomes emphasised that the integration between sport and tourism is not only an industry trend, but also a vital pathway to strengthen Macau’s global footprint through deeper collaboration in the GBA, aiming to attract even more international events and expanding Macau’s international image.
The session invited 2008 Olympics Team China gold medal gymnast Li Shanshan, Macau’s first-ever Asian Games gold medallist Jia Rui and Macau’s 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games men’s karate silver medallist Kuok Kin Hang, to talk about their experiences and sports careers.
2008 Olympics Team China gold medal gymnast Li Shanshan (centre), Macau’s first-ever Asian Games gold medallist Jia Rui (right) and Macau’s 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games men’s karate silver medallist Kuok Kin Hang, attend yesterday afternoon’s “Champion” session at Venetian Macau’s Cotai Expo. – Ida Cheong
