For another kind of connectivity and integration, look no further than the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The longest sea bridge in the world at 55km, which connects Chinese mainland to Hong Kong and Macao was open on 24 October 2018. This achievement will mean, among others, that Macao is now an even more accessible standalone destination for business events participants. Not only will the bridge improve logistics and connectivity for delegates, it will raise the profile of Macao as a business events destination.
In addition to promoting the formation of the Greater Bay Area in southern China where some 66 million people reside, the bridge can play a role to enhance Macao’s position as a window into mainland China. Visitor numbers across the region are expected to receive a boost with cross-border travel being more efficient, with the business events industry expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
The bridge certainly has the potential to be a major contributor to achieving Macao’s ambition to be a world center for leisure and business events. Arrivals from Hong Kong is expected to rise, as will the opportunities for more business events.
Convention delegates who fly in via Hong Kong Airport will be met and directed to a shuttle bus service that connects the airport with the Hong Kong Bridge Port. For MICE business, this is an exceptional connection between HK Airport and Macau / Zhuhai. A connection that is an attraction, available 24 hours and at a low price.
However, the ease of connectivity does not only benefit convention participants’ travel requirements. Macao is now an easy reach for Hong Kong based events suppliers who can bring their cutting-edge technology and exhibition material to enhance Macau events at a cheaper price and providing ease of access. “This sharing of resources between the two cities is important and a win-win situation,” adds Mrs Irene Va Kuan Lau, Acting President from the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute – IPIM. “One Journey Multiple Destinations” is one of the new opportunities from this new connectivity, and while Macao can be a standalone destination, we can also be part of a multi-destination itinerary for association congresses and corporate incentive groups, added Mrs Lau. Macao has an enormous capacity to host the world’s largest business events with a number of fully integrated hotel resorts and convention precincts all within walking distance of each other. The new bridge will greatly enhance Macao’s accessibility for conferences, exhibitions, and incentive groups, especially the larger city-wide events, she said.
ABOUT IPIM
Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) is the department designated by the Macao SAR Government to promote external trade, attract investment, nurture the development of the MICE industry and motivate economic co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. IPIM will focus its effort on the development of the “One Stop Shop” for international meeting and event planners contemplating to stage their business events in Macao. IPIM provides a range of support services and financial incentives to attract, plan and promote business events.
