Australia is “quite an important” market for Macau, according to the destination’s tourism leader, with more than 300 percent growth in arrivals over the past ten years.

Speaking at a conference in Sydney this week ahead of the delegation’s one week tour down under, Macau Government Tourist Office Australia and New Zealand representative Helen Wong said since taking over marketing ten years ago, the number of Australians visiting the destination has jumped from 28,000 to 120,000 last year.

With over 83,000 Australians arriving into Macau during the first nine months of this year alone, the tourism Group’s director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said Australia is an “important” market. .

Launching plans for continued growth, Mr Costa Antunes arrived in Sydney with a delegation of up to 32 tourism leaders to talk to local leaders, interact with the Australian travel trade and launch new promotions down under.

Among the features include Sydney’s annual 2012 Macau Festival and Macau Food Week.

“Macau is tranquil and upbeat and that makes it appealing in addition to its mix of Chinese and Portuguese culture,” he explained.

“Its increase in attractions and tourism facilities along with colourful festivals and events, act as magnets to attract people to visit and stay longer.”

During the press conference, Mr Costa Antunes said the Group of 32 delegates would also talk to local tourism leaders to gather ideas for the next Macau Master Plan.

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