Impact of CEPA on Developing Macau as a Major MICE Tourism Destination

Recently, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism development is one of the tourism diversifying strategy of Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO). In October 2009, the implementation of Mainland China and Macau Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) limited the restriction of trading in MICE services between the two places. Taking this great opportunity, the development of MICE tourism in Macau benefits from injection of foreign investments and growing awareness on the potential of MICE industry. However, previous researchers commented that the strong gaming image of Macau can be a disadvantage and the effectiveness of MGTO still needs to be improved. Other than the tourism aspects, regional collaboration with nearby Chinese provinces is crucial in building and maintaining long-term relationships. To review on the current state of MICE tourism development, the opinions of 36 experts from different sectors were collected to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Macau. The results reveal that most of the respondents agree on the viewpoints of the criteria and aspects suggested by previous authors are applicable in Macau