On Friday, April 10th, I visited the Macao International Travel Expo (MITE) 2026, held at The Venetian Macao. Having attended the 30th Macao International Trade & Investment Fair last year — where I had the chance to meet EHang and step inside their “flying car” prototype — I arrived with high expectations. The expo promised innovation, international exhibitors, and opportunities to explore the latest in travel and technology.

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Macao International Travel Expo: Scale and Atmosphere

Compared to last year’s trade fair, MITE 2026 is larger in scale, with more stands, exhibitors, and performances. Businesses from Portugal, Thailand, the Philippines, Spain, and other parts of Europe joined companies from Mainland China and Hong Kong. The diversity of participants highlighted Macau’s growing role as a hub for international tourism and business.
That said, the atmosphere felt more public‑oriented than strictly B2B. While the event is promoted as a business‑to‑business platform, the crowded halls and limited opportunities for one‑on‑one conversations made networking more challenging. Language barriers also played a role, as many exhibitors primarily spoke Chinese. Still, the expo offered plenty of engaging experiences worth noting.

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Macao International Travel Expo: Meeting iFlyTek

One of the most memorable encounters was with iFlyTek, a company founded in 1999 and listed in the Asia‑Pacific region, specializing in intelligent speech and AI technology. I tested their latest AI translator, equipped with a directional microphone and a split‑screen display: one side transcribed my English, while the other showed the Chinese translation of my counterpart’s speech.
Although connectivity issues occasionally disrupted the demo, when functioning properly the device was impressive. It enabled seamless communication between English and Chinese speakers, demonstrating real potential for international meetings. The cost may be significant — especially since each participant in a meeting would require a device — but for companies engaged in frequent cross‑border negotiations, it could be a game‑changer.

Macao International Travel Expo: Whisky, Wine, and Liquor

After exploring technology, I shifted to the whisky, liquor, and wine section. This area was lively and inviting, offering tastings and opportunities to purchase bottles directly or exchange contacts for future supply. For visitors attending on Sunday, I highly recommend stopping by this section to sample the drinks and discover new international brands.

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Macao International Travel Expo: Robots and Drones

Another highlight was the robotics exhibition. A sign reading “Coffee from a robot?” caught my attention, recalling viral TikTok and Instagram clips. Unfortunately, the robot on display was inactive during my visit, but the concept remains intriguing.
The drone stands were equally captivating. As someone who used to fly drones in Italy, seeing advanced models designed for professional use reignited my passion. These drones showcased the versatility of modern aerial technology, from photography to logistics.

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Macao International Travel Expo: AI Demonstrations

One stand offered an AI experience that recreated my likeness after scanning my face and body. The generated image even replicated my outfit and bag with impressive accuracy. This demonstration highlighted the growing role of AI in personalization and entertainment, adding a futuristic touch to the expo.

Macao International Travel Expo: Reflections on the Expo

Overall, MITE 2026 was an enjoyable experience, even if less intimate than last year’s trade fair. The larger scale brought more international exhibitors and performances, but reduced opportunities for direct business networking. Still, the variety of stands — from AI translators to whisky tastings — ensured that visitors could find something of interest.

For me, the expo reinforced Macau’s position as a gateway between Asia and Europe. Seeing more European countries represented this year suggests that Europe is beginning to recognize the potential of Macau and the Greater Bay Area. As I continue my studies and research at the University of Macau, I hope to see Italy increase its presence at future events. For now, I am proud to represent Italy in my own way, through academic and professional contributions.

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