Macau appoints UK representative

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has appointed marketing firm Hume Whitehead to raise the destination’s profile in the UK and Ireland.

Macau, already one of the fastest growing destinations in 2008, sees the importance of the UK market as paramount, appointing an agent to ensure the destination becomes a 'must visit' on any Far East holiday.

It is hoped to build the profile of the location for business events and conventions.

Macau – or Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China – is one of the two special administrative regions of China, the other being Hong Kong.

"The UK market is one of the most important outbound travel markets in the world and we are confident that Hume Whitehead's extensive experience and contacts will help us put Macau firmly on the map with UK and Irish consumers," commented João Manual Costa Antunes, director of the MGTO.

During the first seven months of this year, Macau’s visitor arrivals reached 17.6 million, an increase of 18.5 per cent compared with the same period of 2007.

Sue Whitehead, director and co-founder of Hume Whitehead, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been appointed to support Macau at such an exciting time and look forward to working with the MGTO team to promote the destination’s multi-dimensional attractions.

"Macau has something for everyone, a message we will be working hard to communicate over the forthcoming months."

The MGTO UK and Ireland representative can be reached at Parkshot House, 5 Kew Road, Richmond TW9 2PR or www.macautourism.gov.mo.

Chris O'Toole