On Sept. 5, 2025, the "Hubei · Wuhan Macao Week" kicks off in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, drawing large crowds of local residents to experience the charm of Macao. [Photo courtesy of Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes]

From the international light art event "Light Up Macao" energizing the nighttime economy, to the International Cities of Gastronomy Fest Macao connecting with the world; and from the multi-destination travel routes in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) gaining traction, to the upcoming National Games of China adding a new chapter to cultural tourism — tourism has become a core driving force for Macao's diversified development. Recently, China News Release conducted an exclusive interview with Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), to explore the integrative strategies behind Macao's remarkable achievements in culture and tourism.

China News Release: After the central government rolled out preferential policies for Macao such as the multiple-entry permit policy, what targeted thematic campaigns has MGTO launched to attract mainland tourists, and what have been the key outcomes?

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes: The mainland has always been Macao's most important and core tourist source market. The strong preference of mainland tourists has laid a solid foundation for the prosperity of Macao's tourism industry. With the full support of the central government, and in order to consolidate and enhance Macao's position as a "World Center of Tourism and Leisure" while promoting appropriately diversified economic development, MGTO has leveraged these preferential policies. By implementing a dual-prolonged strategy — boosting regional synergy through offline activities and achieving breakthrough via innovative online promotions — MGTO has launched a series of distinctive themed activities. These initiatives aim to continuously expand the mainland tourist market and drive the high-quality development of Macao's tourism industry.