Advancing Tourism Dialogue at the 55th Skål International Asia Congress

The 55th Skål International Asia Congress concluded in Macao with resounding success, bringing together 198 delegates from 18 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Hosted by Skål International Macau with the support of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO),  sponsored by SJM Resorts, S.A., venue partner Grand Lisboa Palace, other key industry partners such as IPIM, Lord Stows, TDM , Macau Business, and other key industry partners, the four‑day congress reinforced Macao’s position as a world‑class tourism hub and a leading platform for regional collaboration.

The opening ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests, including Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office of the Macao SAR; Ms. Elaine Wong, Director of Board of Directors, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR; Mr. Choi Kin Long, Acting President, Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR; Mr. Gerald Walker, Chief Hospitality Officer, SJM Resorts, S.A.; Mr. NSN Mohan, World President Elect, SKAL International; Mr. Shekhar Divadkar, President, SKAL International Asia; Mr. Vinzenz Rosa de Pauli, President, SKAL International Macau; Ms. Pamela Chan, Vice President, SKAL International Macau.

Under the theme “Celebrating Heritage – Empowering Innovation,” the congress provided delegates with a comprehensive view of Macao’s evolving “tourism +” strategy, its cultural assets, and its growing role in shaping the future of tourism in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond.

The program included high‑level meetings, cultural immersion tours, and three thought‑provoking panel discussions featuring twelve distinguished speakers and moderators from government, consulting, academia, media, and global industry organizations.

Panel 1: Forging the GBA as a Unified Tourism Powerhouse

The Platinum Ltd. was honored to contribute to the congress through the leadership of Mary Mendoza, Managing Director of The Platinum Ltd Strategic Consulting Group, who chaired the opening panel on Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Tourism.

She was joined by Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of MGTO; Con Apostolopoulos, International Partnerships representing Warner Bros. Discovery; and Professor Kam Hung of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The panel examined the opportunities and complexities of building a unified GBA tourism brand across an 11‑city region with more than 87 million residents. Speakers highlighted the need for coordinated strategy, cross‑border connectivity, and a shared narrative that balances each city’s unique identity with the region’s collective strengths.

With Macao forecasting 41 million visitors in 2026, including 3 million international arrivals, the GBA’s ability to position itself as a seamless multi‑destination hub will be central to long‑term competitiveness.

Panel 2: Regeneration and Cultural Tourism

The second panel, chaired by Professor Jenny Phillips of the University of Saint Joseph, explored the vitality of regeneration in cultural tourism. Speakers included Professor Thomas Daniell (Kyoto University), Susan Santos de Cárdenas (International Alliance of Regenerative Tourism), and Professor Sharif Shams Imon (North South University, Bangladesh).

The discussion emphasized the importance of heritage conservation, community‑driven development, and sustainable cultural revitalization as tourism destinations navigate post‑pandemic recovery.

Panel 3: Technology, AI, and the Future of Tourism

The final panel, chaired by José Carlos Matias, CEO of Project Asia and Macau Business, focused on the impact of technology and AI on tourism development.

Industry leaders Ru Yi (Trip.com), Sallie Lei (Go Out Mall, The Trip Addict), and Adrian Lee (Google) shared insights on digital transformation, traveler behavior, and the growing role of AI‑powered tools in shaping destination marketing, customer engagement, and operational efficiency.

The Platinum Ltd.: A Global Advisor in Tourism, Hospitality, and Integrated Resorts

As a strategic consulting firm headquartered in Macao with teams across Asia, the United States, Europe, and Latin America, The Platinum Ltd. continues to expand its global advisory footprint. The firm has successfully supported pre‑opening casino‑resort developments, operational transformations, and commercial growth strategies for clients across Asia, North America, Central America, and Africa.

With deep expertise in casino operations, hospitality management, destination development, and tourism strategy, The Platinum Ltd. remains committed to helping clients navigate complex markets, unlock new opportunities, and deliver world‑class guest experiences.

The firm’s participation in the Skål International Asia Congress reflects its ongoing dedication to advancing industry dialogue, fostering cross‑regional collaboration, and contributing to the sustainable growth of global tourism.