With the aim of supporting the SAR government’s plans to promote international travel and boost tourism in Macao, on September 17, hosted the second in its series of “Glow Your Way to Macao” events, this time in Cyprus, to promote Macao’s status as a top travel leisure and business destination.

To appeal to travelers from European and Arabian countries, Melco invited approximately 150 guests from the government of the Republic of Cyprus, the Macao SAR government, travel agencies, business associations and media representatives from across Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Macao to the event hosted at City of Dreams Mediterranean. The roadshow introduced attendees to Macao’s diverse historical and cultural offerings and attractions, as well as Melco’s unparalleled and award-winning hotel, entertainment, dining and exhibition facilities.

Showcasing Melco’s steadfast commitment to promoting Macao as a global hub for both leisure and business travelers, Melco has set up sales offices to promote the city in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines, and is currently in the process of setting up a sales office the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco, said: “As a prominent integrated resort operator deeply rooted in Macao, we are thrilled to host our second ‘Glow Your Way to Macao’ event at City of Dreams Mediterranean. It serves as a testament to our support for the SAR government’s drive to attract further international travelers the city, and to expand Macao’s visitor sources in alignment with the “1+4” diversified development strategy. Being a study of contrasts — from its multicultural heritage to its culinary identity, Macao is a unique destination that truly never sleeps. We are thrilled to support the Macao government’s efforts to promote the city’s gastronomy, sporting events, culture, heritage and the creative arts as it continues to diversify and bloom. We are confident that Macao will grow to become an even more cherished and popular destination for travelers from Cyprus, the broader European and GCC market, as an exciting and remarkable city for visitors to immerse themselves in electrifying excitement.”

Mr. Andreas Gregoriou, Head of Presidency, Cyprus, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome the Macao Authorities to Cyprus for this roadshow, showcasing Macao’s potential as a global destination for leisure and business travel. Cyprus, with its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offers unparalleled access to markets in the wider Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond. As a member of the European Union, Cyprus serves as a gateway to one of the largest and most diverse economic zones in the world.”

Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said: “Macao and Cyprus have much in common and great room for cooperation in tourism and beyond. Helped by Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s City of Dreams Mediterranean and its Macao Sales Office in Cyprus, I believe that we can spark a long-lasting friendship and cooperation between our two destinations. We look forward to joining hands with Macao’s integrated resort enterprises to create more cooperation and jointly expand the international visitor source markets.”

Mr. Sam Lei, Director of Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) of Macao SAR, said: “As we strive to enhance Macao’s MICE development, it is great to see Melco continue to implement initiatives to promote the city and its MICE infrastructure to overseas markets, this time to audiences in Europe and the GCC. We will continue to leverage Macao’s unique advantages by collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders to attract more professional and international events, and make the ‘Golden Calling Card’ of Macao as an international metropolis shine brighter.”

ICE organisers have taken full-advantage of the additional space and enhanced facilities its new home, the Fira Gran Via Barcelona, offers to launch the World Gaming Forum (WGF), an immersive three-day learning, networking and knowledge sharing exchange which replaces ICE VOX.

Expanding on the creation of the WGF, Clarion Gaming’s Managing Director Stuart Hunter, who is leading the project to migrate ICE and iGB Affiliate, the industry’s two leading event brands from London to Barcelona explained: “The move to Barcelona was all about the opportunity our new home provided to elevate absolutely everything that we do and in the process build on our status at the intersection for all sectors of the global gaming business and drawn from all areas of the globe.

“The World Gaming Forum has been adopted to more accurately reflect the credentials of our industry-leading brands comprising the World Regulatory Briefing, the new Casino & Leaders Conference (formerly the ICC), and the new Esports & Games Conference (formerly the Esports Betting Conference)”

“In 2024 we succeeded in bringing together over 1,210 senior decision makers from 79 countries, including 621 operator C-Level, 87 global CEOs, 72 national and regional regulatory bodies, and 7 government ministers, and the enhanced ICE World Gaming Forum will deliver exclusive connections and content across our three conferences, in-depth workshops, high-level roundtable discussions, and tailored networking events, providing a home for the industry’s thought-leaders, innovators, challengers and policy makers.”

He added: “The outstanding facilities at the Fira Gran Via Barcelona, which is one of the largest and most modern venues in Europe, reflects the World Gaming Forum’s status as the premier platform for discussion, knowledge sharing and collaboration between the global gambling industry and the law makers who regulate them – a dynamic which is essential for the development of a progressive, responsible and sustainable industry.”

Situated in the heart of the venue space and featuring an exclusive club-style VIP lounge for delegates and speakers, dedicated networking garden, and a range of concierge services, the ICE World Gaming Forum will run Monday 20th – Wednesday 22nd January alongside the ICE and iGB Affiliate exhibitions.

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, was honoured as a global leader in Environmental Social Governance (ESG) practices at the prestigious Corporate Star Awards held in Amsterdam. The company was the only iGaming company shortlisted at the ceremony, and was nominated for the Best ESG Report award, placing it among renowned organisations such as Globo, EVS and SONY Entertainment, who won the category overall.

The Corporate Star Awards are known for recognising excellence in corporate reporting and sustainability, and Play’n GO’s nomination for the Best ESG Report Award is testament to its commitment to transparency and responsible business practices.

Play’n GO’s ESG Report provides comprehensive insights into the company’s environmental initiatives, social impact and governance practices, and showcases Play’n GO’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, promoting diversity and inclusion, and maintaining high ethical standards throughout its operations.

The Corporate Star Awards recognise organisations that go above and beyond in their commitment to ESG practices, setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility. Play’n GO’s inclusion among the shortlisted companies underscores its position as a global leader in the iGaming industry and its dedication to sustainable business practices.

Johan Törnqvist, CEO and co-founder of Play’n GO, said: “We are truly honoured to be recognized as a global ESG leader at the Corporate Star Awards. This nomination is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices. We believe that a strong ESG framework is essential for the long-term success of any organization, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. We look forward to participating in next year’s awards, and to furthering our own ESG initiatives.”