Macao Expo Draws 38,000 Visitors, 79 Tourism Deals Signed

More than 38,000 people flooded into Macao this April for a travel expo that proved the world's appetite for connection is stronger than ever.

The 14th Macao International Travel Expo brought together 730 tourism companies and government organizations from 59 countries across three buzzing days. Visitors wandered through 1,517 booths spanning 30,000 square meters, discovering destinations from Portuguese-speaking nations to cities along China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The real magic happened behind the scenes. Companies signed 79 contracts covering everything from smart tourism technology to healthcare travel partnerships. That's a 34% jump from last year's event.

Business matchmaking sessions topped 20,000, connecting travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators in conversations that will send tourists to new destinations for years to come. A record 642 hosted buyers attended, up 29% from 2025 and the highest number since the expo launched 14 years ago.

Technology transformed how people experienced the event. Twenty-three influencers from around the world livestreamed from the expo floor across eight social media platforms, racking up 28 million views. For the first time, robots co-hosted livestreams alongside human presenters, blending cutting-edge tech with personal storytelling.

Nearly 130 presentations and forums gave industry professionals space to share ideas. Topics ranged from sustainable gastronomy to low-altitude cultural tourism development in the Greater Bay Area. Coffee competitions, tea ceremonies, and wine tastings added flavor to the business discussions.

The Ripple Effect

This expo's impact stretches far beyond Macao's borders. The partnerships formed here will create jobs for tour guides in Vietnam, opportunities for hotel workers in Portugal, and new travel options for families planning their next adventure. When tourism thrives, entire communities benefit from the economic boost and cultural exchange.

The event also highlighted Macao's growing role as an international meeting hub. The city will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting later this year, building on momentum from this successful expo.

Over 80% of exhibitors, buyers, and visitors said they're satisfied and plan to return next year. With attendance climbing and contracts multiplying, the expo is proving that bringing people together in person still matters in our digital age.

The world is ready to explore again, and Macao just showed everyone the way forward.