A taste of Macao's culture, community life and creative spirit arrived in London on Friday as the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) hosted a destination presentation highlighting the city's evolving tourism identity beyond its well-known casinos.

The event invited travel trade representatives from Macao and across the United Kingdom to imagine boarding a flight to the city. Along the journey, participants were introduced to Macao's latest tourism developments and projects that weave together cultural heritage, community life and artistic expression. Speakers also explored how everyday tea culture — cherished both in Macao and in Britain — can be transformed into contemporary cultural practice.

The gathering came as China's new visa-free policy for British travelers took effect in February, allowing UK citizens to visit the country for up to 30 days without a visa.

In her speech, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said the new policy creates favorable conditions for Britons to plan multi-destination trips to Macao, the Greater Bay Area and other parts of the Chinese mainland. She also encouraged visitors to take advantage of convenient flight connections offered by carriers such as Air China and Air Macao.

Zhang Li, Director of the China National Tourist Office in London, said the office will continue promoting Macao and the Greater Bay Area in the UK market and help attract more international visitors to explore the region.

According to MGTO data, around 42,000 visitors from the UK traveled to Macao in 2025, making the UK one of the city's key European source markets. Senna Fernandes said the presentation aimed to showcase Macao's "tourism + community + culture" model and inspire potential visitors from the UK.

Visitors today can explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites, vibrant food culture and modern attractions, from water parks to large-scale resident performances. Others may prefer a quieter experience wandering through neighborhood villages, where narrow streets, local cafés and traditional markets reveal another side of the city.

Beyond sightseeing, Senna Fernandes believes travel also creates opportunities for people from different cultures to meet and learn from one another.

"With greater understanding between people, tourism can also contribute to a more peaceful world," she added.