ESHTE and Macau University of Tourism hold colloquium on Portugal–Macau tourism

On 3 December 2025, ESHTE and the Macao University of Tourism Studies (MUT) organised at the UTM premises, the colloquium ‘Macao and Portugal Tourism Offerings and Connections: Memories of the Past, Inspirations for the Future’, which brought together researchers from both institutions as well as from the University of Coimbra, the Polytechnic Institute of Porto and the Lusófona University. The ESHTE delegation included professors Rita Peres, Jorge Umbelino, Victor Afonso, Raúl Filipe, and Pedro Moita.

The meeting included a series of scientific presentations. On behalf of ESHTE, topics such as accessible and inclusive tourism in Portugal, the perception of risk in the hotel industry in Portugal and Macao, and the entrepreneurial skills of tourism students were addressed. UTM presented studies on interpretive practices in cultural heritage, Portuguese influences on Macanese cuisine, and the factors that lead tourists to try Portuguese cuisine in Macau. Lusófona University also contributed with a presentation on wellness environments in the hospitality sector.

The programme also included a panel discussion dedicated to tourism links between Portugal and Macau, with the participation of experts from both regions. The speakers discussed challenges and opportunities for future cooperation, emphasising the role of tourism, culture and higher education in strengthening these relations.

The colloquium reinforced the joint commitment of ESHTE and UTM to promoting research, training and sustainable development in tourism between Portugal and Macao.