Mixing work and play in Marvellous Macao

A period of rapid and unprecedented infrastructure development has transformed Macao into a promising business tourism destination. With an array of premier conference and exhibition venues and world heritage sites, Macao has attracted a growing number of business tourism visitors and incentive travellers worldwide.

$!The iconic Senado Square — pix courtesy of Macao New Eight Scenic Spots

Bleisure and incentive travellers get to host different business exchanges and team-building activities while also experiencing the exciting side of the city. With so much to enjoy, Macao is the ideal destination of choice for many businesses. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Macao soon!

1. It’s Easy to Get To

Macao is less than four hours away from Malaysia by air, perfect for those who don’t enjoy long flights. Even better, Malaysians do not need a visa to enter Macao. All one has to do is to pack their bags and fly!

2. Enjoy a Gastronomic Delight

$!Mixing work and play in Marvellous Macao

Macao’s recognition as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy can be seen in the city’s unparalleled and inventive dining experiences. The unique fusion of Portuguese and Asian flavours in local cuisine is sure to delight the senses.

Food such as Portuguese egg tarts, minchi (minced meat with diced potatoes, stir-fried with onions and Worcestershire sauce) and tacho (winter stew made with pork cuts, ham and sausage) are a must-try.

There are also plenty of halal food options for Muslim travellers a well as 19 Michelin-star restaurants for gastronomes to choose form.

$!Sample the culinary delights from the Golden Peacock Restaurant, Venetian Macao — pix via The Venetian Macao

3. Experience All 25 Unesco Heritage Sites the City

Macao is famous for its stunning and romantic European architecture. At the Macao Historic Centre, bleisure travellers get to marvel all 25 UNESCO heritage sites just in a half-day walking tour. In addition, there are eight other hidden beauties waiting to be discovered.

Head over to the romantic streets of Travessa da Paixao and Rua da Felicidade for sightseeing.

The Two Lakes and One Tower is an amazing sight to see. Visitors get to enjoy the view of both Nam Van and Sai Van Lakes. Beyond these two lakes, visitors can see the Macau Tower and Penha Hill looming in the distance. Visiting the Coloane Fishing Village and Long Chao Kok coastal trail will inspire you to update your social media feed with more stunning pictures.

4. A Venue for World-Class Entertainment and Unique Activities

$!World class entertainment at the House of Dancing Water — pix via House of Dancing Water

Bleisure visitors can experience the cultural delights of Macao by learning how to cook authentic Macanese food, learning Portuguese Folk Dances and renting traditional clothes for memorable photos.

$!World class entertainment at the House of Dancing Water — pix via House of Dancing Water

For more modern entertainment, visit the House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams resort where the world’s largest and most spectacular water-based show takes place, directed by Franco Dragone, a Belgian theatre director who has worked with Cirque du Soleil and Celine Dion.

$!Mixing work and play in Marvellous Macao

Over at the Macao Tower, team building activities are transformed into a thrilling experience. Put your teamwork and courage to the test at the SkyWalk at 233 meters or partake in the Tower Climb at 338 metres up in the air. In the end, teams are rewarded for their efforts with a stunning 360-degree view of the city!

5. Gateway to China’s Greater Bay Area

$!The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge — pix courtesy of Macao New Eight Scenic Spots

Macao is connected to China’s Greater Bay Area which comprises of Hong Kong and nine other cities namely Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Huizhou and Zhaoqing.

Since the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in 2018, commuting between Macao and the Greater Bay Area city clusters has never been more convenient.

Macao is easily accessed by air, sea and land. With regular ferry and coach services, travellers can opt to enter Macao through Hong Kong and China with ease; while the Border Gates in Macao Peninsula and the Cotai Frontier Post also serve as convenient portals for travellers transiting to and from Mainland China.

6. Perks of the Travel Stimulation Programme

For hassle-free group travel, Macao offers a Travel Stimulation Programme for students, destination weddings, corporate events and incentive travel.

To qualify, the group should have at least 25 non-Macao participants and spend at least two nights in Macao.

The programme offers benefits depending on the categories below:

$!Mixing work and play in Marvellous Macao

For more information and application for the Travel Stimulation Program, please contact Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Representative in Malaysia or visit their official website