MGM has joined forces with Thailand’s top retail developer, EM District, to host a familiarization trip for 45 prominent Thai business leaders and industry professionals from February 21-23, 2025, in a strategic effort to boost Macau’s international MICE tourism market.
The delegation is composed of high-profile figures from financial services, banking, real estate development, hospitality management, and entertainment sectors. The familiarization trip represents a significant milestone in MGM’s ongoing efforts to enhance Macau as a premier international tourism and MICE destination, particularly within the lucrative Southeast Asian market.
This initiative builds upon MGM’s recent collaboration with EM District, launched in January through the “EMDISTRICT THE GOLDEN PROSPEROUS KINGDOM CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025” campaign. The partnership between MGM and EM District—operator of prestigious retail destinations Emporium, Emquartier, and Emsphere—offers exclusive MGM Macau travel experiences to top spenders at their shopping complexes, fostering stronger connections between Macau and Thailand.
This collaboration enabled MGM to expand its brand awareness in Thailand by showcasing Macau 2049, its groundbreaking residency show, on key advertising platforms including digital billboards and high-traffic transit areas. This exposure introduced Thai audiences to Macau’s best-in-class entertainment offerings, further elevating its appeal as a travel destination.
A highlight of the program was the Gala Dinner at MGM COTAI’s Vista on February 21st. The event welcomed distinguished guests including (pictured below):
- Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office;
- Vincent U, President of Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute;
- Vic Lam, Chief of the Division of Tourism, MICE and Commerce of Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin;
- Suthavadee Sirithanachai, Vice President – Marketing of EM District;
- Kevin Wang, Assistant to Vice President, Commercial cum Regional General Manager – Greater Bay Area of Air Macau Company Limited;
- Iwan Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality of MGM;
- Irene Wong, Senior Vice President of Public & Community Relations of MGM;
- Cindy Lui, Assistant Vice President of Resort Sales of MGM.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Iwan Dietschi emphasized the growing significance of the Thai market at MGM: “Thailand has emerged as MGM’s largest source of visitors from Southeast Asia, with a 15% growth last year. Our recent collaboration with EM District exemplifies our commitment to creating unique and luxury experiences that bridge our two cultures.”
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes also said: “I am enthusiastic to see MGM creating synergies with Thailand’s top-tier shopping complexes and partners to reach out to Thai travelers. An important part of the development of Macao to reinforce its positioning as a world center of tourism and leisure is the expansion of international visitor source markets, and Thailand is one of the markets we hugely value.”
Vincent U added: “We see strong potential to collaborate with Thai businesses, combining strengths to drive mutual growth and innovation. ASEAN, including Thailand, has always been a close trading partner of our territory. We sincerely welcome our Thai friends to explore, connect, and uncover the endless opportunities Macao has to offer.”
The carefully curated program showcases the perfect blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural experiences at both MGM MACAU and MGM COTAI, while introducing the delegation to Macau’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings. This initiative reinforces MGM’s dedication to attracting international visitors and diversifying Macau’s tourism economy.
