Eligible companies and associations can apply to use local tourism mascot Mak Mak* for products and experiences, either for commercial and non-commercial use, starting next Monday via MGTO’s newly-launched licensing programme.
A launch ceremony for the programme, titled “IP Licensing Program for Macao Tourism Mascot ‘Mak Mak’”, was held yesterday within the 14th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo, aka MITE, at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo.
The programme accepts applications for four categories, namely merchandise, food products, promotional materials and events. Those eligible to apply are natural person business owners with business commencement and registration in Macau, legal person business owners legally established in Macau, and associations legally established in Macau.
According to an infographic related to the programme, commercial use can be up to five years and may also be renewed, while non-commercial use can have a maximum of one year, with no renewal option. Profits from the use of Mak Mak or derivative and fusion works based on the tourism mascot belong to the licensed entities, as highlighted by an MGTO statement provided yesterday, noting that licensing fees will be waived.
During her speech at yesterday’s launch, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said that through the programme, MGTO hopes it can showcase Mak Mak as an IP brand with diverse potential, helping more creative ideas take root and bear fruit, so that, together, they can turn Mak Mak into a representative tourism brand for Macau.
More details can be found on https://ep.macaotourism.gov.mo/makmak-ip/?lang=zh-hant
14th MITE concludes 3-day run
The 14th MITE concluded its three-day run yesterday, showcasing industry trends and resources in a packed programme.
Themed “Global Convergence, Future Horizons” and featuring a raft of highlights, the annual travel trade fair opened on Friday. The opening ceremony was officiated by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai; Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Zheng Xincong; Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Bian Lixin; Legislative Assembly President André Cheong Weng Chon; and Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip, among others.
During his speech at Friday’s opening, Tai, as summarised by a statement released later that day, noted that Macau’s total visitor arrivals exceeded 10 million in the first quarter, with a preliminary estimate of over 750,000 international visitors. “In face of uncertainties in the global situation and geopolitics, the SAR Government will continue to broaden the diversity of tourism products, organise events and activities, refine tourism facilities and step up promotional initiatives, while embracing the opportunities amid challenges and actively tapping into various international visitor markets”, the statement highlighted.
This year’s fair gathered more than 700 tourism-related enterprises and governmental entities from 59 countries and regions, along with more than 600 hosted buyers from around the world. Forums, themed sessions, presentations and performances were also among those on offer for participants. There were over 1,500 booths featured.
Moreover, according to an MGTO statement yesterday, close to 120 tourism and cultural/heritage-related organisations and associations held signing ceremonies at the expo on Saturday, while 60 cooperation agreements were signed on-site.
* The official Chinese name for the Macau tourism mascot, Mak Mak, is 麥麥 (pronounced “Mai Mai” in Putonghua). The character is a black-faced spoonbill, a migratory bird that visits Macau every year. Its design is inspired by the Guia Lighthouse, with the red, yellow, and blue colours representing the vibrant energy of the city. – Google Gemini
Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (centre) poses with other officiating guests and representatives during the launch of the “IP Licensing Program for Macao Tourism Mascot ‘Mak Mak’” at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
Fairgoers walk around the 14th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo during its last day yesterday. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
