The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) 2025 Macao Summit took place from June 2 to 5, bringing together travel agency leaders from across Europe to explore Macau’s position as an international tourism hub and connector to Mainland China.
The event concluded with a gala dinner on June 4, attended by the secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR Government, Anton Tai Kin Ip. He noted Macau’s aim to deepen ties with Europe and emphasised tourism as a key sector for cooperation, particularly in multi-destination travel.
ECTAA president Frank Oostdam called for stronger Europe-Asia collaboration based on mutual understanding and practical engagement. He described Macau as an example of efforts to move beyond intention toward real partnership.
The Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), a key player in bringing the summit to Macau, also participated – its president, Pedro Costa Ferreira, expressed confidence that European delegates would develop a lasting interest in the destination and pledged continued cooperation with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
Over four days, the summit included board meetings, panel sessions on Europe-Asia tourism, a business networking event, and site visits in Macau and Hengqin. Around 40 delegates connected with 65 local representatives from travel and hospitality sectors.
Participants visited landmarks such as the Ruins of St Paul’s, Senado Square and Taipa Village on June 4, followed by a tour of Hengqin’s tourism and conference facilities on June 5.
The summit is one of two major European tourism events hosted by MGTO in 2025, alongside the 50th APAVT Congress, scheduled for December 2 to 4, which is expected to draw around 700 delegates.
These initiatives are part of MGTO’s efforts to rebuild ties with the European travel trade and attract more visitors from the region.
