In support of the national Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and to promote deeper collaboration between academia and the industry, about 40 postgraduate students and faculty members from the Master of Science in International Convention and Event Management programme at the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) visited the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone on 17 October, 2025. This field trip aimed to extend learning beyond the classroom, offering students a firsthand look at the dynamic integration between Macao and Hengqin.
Organised with the support of the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone, the delegation toured several key MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) venues and cultural tourism sites, including the Hengqin Cultural and Arts Centre, Intercity Hotel, Tianmu Qintai, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Experience Centre, and Zhenlin Hotel. These visits provided students with direct insights into Hengqin’s evolving MICE infrastructure. They also engaged in meaningful discussions on venue operations, the fusion of cultural tourism, and the synergy between specialised industries—such as Traditional Chinese Medicine—and the MICE economy. Students actively participated by asking questions and exchanging ideas with venue managers throughout the tour.
A highlight of the visit was a seminar featuring Mr. Vic Lam, Head of Division of Tourism, MICE and Commerce of the Economic Development Bureau, and Ms. Ada Chio de la Cruz, a representative from a MICE enterprise. They shared valuable perspectives on Hengqin’s current MICE development, policy advantages, and future opportunities and challenges.
This experiential learning activity is a core part of the programme’s curriculum, blending theory with practice. By exploring Hengqin in person, students gained a deeper understanding of the Cooperation Zone’s MICE ecosystem, sparking enthusiasm and encouraging them to consider future careers in the Macao-Hengqin MICE sector.
UTM remains committed to nurturing globally minded professionals with strong practical skills. This visit reflects the University’s dedication to aligning with national development strategies and contributing to regional economic growth. Through such initiatives, UTM aims to empower Macao’s youth to seize the opportunities and policy benefits emerging from Hengqin’s development. Looking ahead, the University will continue to support the integrated growth of the MICE industry across the Greater Bay Area.