From air traffic to finance – why world conferences are landing in Macao

Two international conferences, hundreds of delegates from all over the world, and one common outcome – successful, seamless events in Macao.

This October, the city cemented its reputation as a destination of choice for international organisers when it hosted two high-profile gatherings – the 41st International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Association Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (IFATCA APRM 2025) and the ADFIAP–AADFI Joint International CEO Forum 2025. Both events drew global delegates and industry leaders, underscoring Macao’s readiness to host world-class conferences.

A hub for international dialogue

Held at Banyan Tree Hotel Macao from 20-22 October, IFATCA APRM 2025 brought together over 100 association members – comprising aviation experts, controllers, and executives – to discuss air traffic management, safety protocols, operational efficiencies, and regional cooperation.

“Macao has the capacity to hold such events, with splendid venues, wide range of restaurants and bars and easily accessibility for all our member associations,” shares IFATCA’s deputy president Jean-François Lepage. “It's a great location to host meetings and conferences.”

This year’s conference also marked a meaningful milestone: the 30th anniversaries of the International Airport of Macau and Macau Air Traffic Controllers Association (MATCA), as well as a decade since IFATCA last held its meeting in the city. 

Similarly, the ADFIAP–AADFI Joint International CEO Forum 2025 – jointly organised by the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) and Association of African DFIs (AADFI) – welcomed more than 130 delegates from Asia and Africa to Wynn Macau from 22–24 October. Themed around sustainable finance, the event provided a vital platform for development financing institutions from both continents to exchange ideas and deepen cooperation.

“For us, Macao is a gateway between Asia and Africa,” said Enrique Florencio, secretary-general of Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific or ADFIAP. “This is our third time hosting an event here. In terms of infrastructure, meeting facilities, and government support, everything is in place.”

A tradition of care and connection

Lepage also highlights Macao’s culture of hospitality, noting how its distinctive blend of efficiency and warmth adds to its appeal for organisers. “It’s in the nature of Macao’s people to make guests feel at home. Everything is well taken care of.”

The same sentiment was echoed by Florencio, noting that the genuine care of local hosts elevated the event experience. “When you hold your event in Macao, you feel like you’re in your own home because of all the support, the hospitality of the people, the warm welcome.”

Delegates at the ADFIAP–AADFI forum also had the chance to experience the city’s cultural richness through curated excursions to Senado Square, the Ruins of St. Paul, and other heritage landmarks, blending productive meetings with memorable leisure moments.

Easy access, seamless logistics

For international planners, connectivity, and logistics remain top considerations for event professionals managing delegate logistics. Lepage shared how his own travel experience underscored Macao’s strength in accessibility. “I landed in Hong Kong, took the direct cross-boundary coach to Macao, and was amazed by the efficiency, from luggage handling to immigration. It was seamless.”

With up to 87 nationalities able to enter Macao visa free, Lepage feels that the destination embraces a “very open and friendly” approach towards leisure and business event travellers.

And for nationalities that require a visa to enter Macao, the strong local support, from the PCO to the government, simplified procedures. “There were no issues for us so far in our third time of having our conference in Macao. That's why we are here,” said Florencio.

Strategic initiatives to boost growth

Beyond infrastructure and hospitality, organisers credited the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM) and local authorities for their proactive support of international events.

To further boost Macao’s appeal as a MICE destination, IPIM has enhanced its Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme. The updated campaign provides funding for conventions and exhibitions held in Macao that meet the following criteria:

Conventions — Approximately US$50 per delegate (up to US$200 if more requirements met) for groups with a minimum of 100 delegates, with 20 percent coming from outside Macao, for at least a four-hour meeting and one-night stay in a hotel in Macao or Hengqin.

Exhibitions — Approximately US$375 per exhibitor (up to US$1,125 per exhibitor if more requirements met) plus complimentary venue rental for all show days for exhibitions that satisfy the following:
•    Held for two consecutive days, six hours/day
•    Utilise 1,000 sqm/day
•    Focus on commercial and trade activities
•    At least 30 exhibitors with a 9 sqm booth each

For more information about Macao’s Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme, visit ipim.gov.mo or email [email protected].

This article is brought to you by the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM).