Shamorie Glasgow, from Tortola—the largest and most populous island of the British Virgin Islands (BVI)—embarked on her academic journey in Macao last August. With a deep passion for tourism, she pursued studies in Tourism Business Management at the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), laying a solid foundation for her future career.
She remarked, “Macao is one of the world's leading tourism hubs, especially in hospitality, gaming, and luxury travel. Studying here gives me first hand exposure to a dynamic industry, and UTM stands out for its specialised programmes and strong connections with tourism professionals.”
Immersed in this culturally diverse city, Shamorie actively participated in various high-profile industry events through UTM, including the 2024 World Cities Branding Conference, the 2025 High-level Forum on Greater Bay Area (GBA) Tourism Development, and the China-EU Relations in Times of Transitions conference organised by the Institute of European Studies of Macau. She also took the initiative to participate in the 2024 edition of the World Tourism Day Tray Race.
These experiences have not only deepened her understanding of theoretical concepts but also provided her with a comprehensive grasp of the latest industry trends. She shared, “I’ve greatly enjoyed interacting with classmates and professors from around the globe, who have brought a global perspective to in-depth tourism discussions.”
As a leading higher education institution in culture, tourism and hospitality sector, UTM has over the years attracted students from across the globe through its academic excellence and robust industry connections. Shamorie opted for the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Business Management as her specialisation, aspiring to master marketing, branding, and strategic planning.
She noted, “My studies in Macao will help me develop a global outlook on tourism and hospitality, particularly in luxury tourism and casino resort management. I hope to connect the perspectives between Macao and the Caribbean by applying successful tourism strategies.”
Having experienced tourism in a multicultural environment, she reflected on the contrasts between Macao and her homeland. “One of the biggest cultural differences I have noticed is the tourism industry’s reliance on gaming and entertainment, which plays a much larger role in Macao compared to the British Virgin Islands’ focus on beach resorts and ecotourism.”
“Social interactions also feel different. In the BVI, I am used to community-based interactions, a place where everyone knows everyone. Macao, on the other hand, is more international, with people from all over the world coming in and out of the city. I have had to adapt by learning more about local etiquette and communication styles,” she added.