As Macau moves forward with its goal of economic diversification, the MICE industry has emerged as a crucial pillar for sustainable growth. As a company deeply rooted in Macau, MGM actively supports Macau’s “1+4” economic diversification strategy by providing innovative and high-quality MICE services. The Company strongly believes that the future of the MICE sector lies in the seamless integration of smart technologies and sustainable practices. Recently, MGM has partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to launch an innovative MICE capacity-building program aimed at equipping current and future professionals in Macau's MICE industry with the necessary skills and latest knowledge to thrive in an increasingly dynamic landscape.

PATA is a non-profit membership association that promotes the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. This collaboration with PATA represents one of the many initiatives by MGM to contribute to Macau’s vision of becoming a world-class destination for conventions and exhibitions.

Under the theme of “MGM & PATA Forum – The Future of Tourism, Hospitality and MICE”, the program kicked off on September 24 at MGM COTAI. Distinguished guests who were invited to officiate the opening ceremony include Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Elaine Wong, Director of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM); Vic Lam, Chief of the Division of Tourism, MICE and Commerce of the Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; Noor Ahmad Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of PATA; and Dr Iwan Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality of MGM.

During the opening ceremony of the event, Dr Iwan Dietschi said, “The recent recognition of Macau as the ‘Best Convention City in Asia’ for the second consecutive year highlights the city’s world-class MICE infrastructure and ability to deliver exceptional event experiences, and I am confident that through this program co-organized with PATA, MGM will continue to help strengthen Macau’s position as a global leader in the MICE industry.”

Addressing the opening ceremony, Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “This event is a testament to the power of collaboration. Working alongside MGM and with support from government agencies such as MGTO, IPIM, and the Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, PATA is committed to equipping industry professionals with the tools and strategies needed to stay competitive. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and excellence, we are positioning ourselves to thrive in the future.”

The capacity-building program took place from September 24 to 26 and drew nearly 330 participants, including government officials, MICE practitioners, members of the PATA Macau Chapter, university students, professors, staff members of Macau’s integrated resorts, as well as MGM team members. The invited MICE experts included Noor Ahmad Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of PATA; Pavnesh Kumar, Director of Sustainability and Research of PATA; Sina Bunte, founder of Digitalmind.events; and Adeline Larroque, founder of Ennov-Solutions, who delivered lectures on a wide range of topics, such as marketing strategies for MICE events, the integration of artificial intelligence into the MICE industry, and sustainable practices in event management. The trainers also held a discussion session on the emerging trends, technologies, and practices in international hospitality and tourism. Participating in these talks enabled local MICE stakeholders to learn about the latest advancements in the industry and enhance their event organization skills.

###

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.

For media enquiries, please contact:    

Jessie Kuan

Executive Director of Public Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3412

Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo

Karen Lam

Senior Corporate Relations Manager

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3421

Email: karenlam@mgm.mo