Eng. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) headed a group of business delegates from Macau hospitality industry to attend the HOFEX 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today. Eng. Costa Antunes was invited to attend the opening ceremony as a distinguished guest and participated at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Other honorable guests include Mr. Henry TANG Ying-Yen, GBS, JP, Chief Secretary for administration of the HKSAR Government, Mr. James TIEN Pei-Chun, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Mr. Mark Lettenbichler, Chairman of the Hong Kong Hotels Associations.

The booth of MGTO engaged the promotional theme of “Experience Macau” with the 5 senses. For the purpose of promoting business tourism, its design was inspired by the architectural facade of the Macau Business Tourism Centre, reflecting the huge efforts engaged for MICE development in recent years. There were 38 members of “Industry Partners Program” displaying their promotional materials under this marketing platform provided by MGTO.

As a supporting organization, MGTO invited representatives of three major hospitality associations, namely, Macau Hotel Association, the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macao and Macau Chef Culinary Association to attend the opening ceremony of the HOFEX 2009. The delegates expressed positive compliments and support to MGTO’s involvement.

Officially opened today, HOFEX 2009 (The 13th Asian International Exhibition of Food & Drink, Hotel, Restaurant & Foodservices Equipment, Supplies & Services) is the biennial trade show running till May 9, 2009. This year, more than 1,800 leading exhibitors including 41 national groups participated in HOFEX 2009. It is anticipated that more than 35,000 qualified buyers and industry players from around the world will visit the show.