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Macao University of Tourism ─ 1995~2025

30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

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Pioneering Approach

HONOURING THE PAST

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Academic Excellence

EMBRACING THE PRESENT

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Innovative Education

SHAPING THE FUTURE

1995 to 2025

30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Honouring Legacy, Inspiring the Future

The Macao University of Tourism (UTM) was formerly known as the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM). Since its establishment in 1995, UTM has built an educational legacy committed to innovation and excellence in tourism education.

Based in Macao and oriented toward the world, UTM has developed into a higher education institution with significant influence in tourism education across the Asia-Pacific region.

Xinjiang University

UTM, driven by innovation and rooted in talent cultivation, has set outstanding examples in tourism management education, smart tourism research and development, and international cultural and tourism cooperation.

Prof. Li Qingquan

Party Committee Secretary of Shenzhen University

UTM has built a talent cultivation system integrating international perspectives and regional characteristics.

Fujian Normal University

UTM has developed distinct characteristics and advantages in areas such as sustainable tourism development and cultural heritage protection, supplying a large number of high-quality tourism professionals to the industry in Macao and globally.

Southern Medical University

UTM has risen to the forefront of tourism education in Asia, becoming an internationally renowned institution of higher learning in tourism. With the reputation of being the "benchmark of tourism education in Macao," it contributes to Macao’s development as a "World Centre of Tourism and Leisure."

Department of Education of Guangdong Province

UTM cultivates outstanding professionals in the culture, tourism and hospitality sectors, establishing itself as a leading higher education institution in these fields.

Professor Yang Wang

Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement) at the University of Hong Kong

UTM cultivates high level professionals for the tourism and service industries, achieving remarkable accomplishments in academic research, international collaboration and community service.

Liu Zhonghua

Rector of Hunan Normal University

The programmes in hospitality and leisure management area in UTM ranks among the top globally and in Asia, earning it the accolade of ‘Pearl of Tourism Education in the Asia-Pacific Region’.

Hainan University

UTM has made outstanding contributions to the development of the culture and tourism industry in the Greater Bay Area, demonstrating the unique appeal and strength of higher education in Macao.

Mr. Luo Sihai

Party Secretary of Nanchang University

UTM, grounded in tourism education, has pioneered innovative approaches that have garnered international acclaim.

Mr. Tan Yew Sing

Chairman of United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong)

UTM ranks top in Asia for tourism and hospitality education, and as its global reputation grows daily, it blazes a unique path for running tourism institutions.

Mr. Dai Bin

President of China Tourism Academy

Mr. Chan Chak Mo, Chair of the UTM Council

Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

The UTM Council, established in 2020, brings together various stakeholders, to further the contributions of the University to tourism education, explains Chair Mr. Chan, also head of the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macao

“Over the past thirty years, our colleagues have worked together through challenges and opportunities alike, writing the chapter of the University’s growth from its humble beginnings to its present flourishing. With the care of the Macao SAR Government, the support of society at large, and the concerted efforts of our faculty and students, the University has gradually developed from a local institution dedicated to tourism education into a higher education establishment of significant global influence in the field of tourism. Today, the University not only provides undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes, but also encompasses continuing education and internationally accredited courses, serving as both a cradle of talent and a think tank indispensable to Macao’s development as a ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.’”

“At present, the Macao SAR Government is comprehensively advancing the ‘1+4’ appropriate diversification development strategy, UTM will continue to uphold its educational mission, fully leverage its strengths, and assume the important responsibility of cultivating ‘Tourism+’ interdisciplinary talent, providing robust intellectual and human resource support for Macao’s deeper integration into national development and its long-term prosperity and stability.”

“As the ‘helmsman’ of the University’s development, the UTM Council will, as always, fulfil its duties with diligence, ensuring strict oversight in the implementation of development plans. We shall continue to enhance both teaching quality and academic research, further strengthening the impact and recognition of our scholarly achievements within the industry.”

Meet the UTM community

Anniversary Video

Achievements and Awards

RECOGNISED QUALITY

The quality of education at UTM and the University’s contributions to the community are recognised by the many awards and accolades it has received since its establishment

Medal of Merit for Tourism | 2008 Macao SAR Government

UN Tourism TedQual-certified bachelor degree programmes | UN Tourism

International Quality Review | 2017 U.K.’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)

Gold Award in Education and Training | 1997 and 2002 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

ISO 20000 IT Service Management System Certification | Since 2013
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification | Since 2016
ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification | Since 2018
ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management System Certification | Since 2020
ISO 27001 Information Security Management System Certification | Since 2020 International Organization for Standardization

Macao Green Hotel Gold Award (for the Pousada de Mong-Há Educational Hotel) | Valid until 2019 Macao Environmental Protection Bureau

MICHELIN Green Star & Recommended Restaurant (for the UTM Educational Restaurant) | Since 2021 and 2009 MICHELIN Guide

Grand Merit Award: Business Awards of Macau | 2016 De Ficção Multimedia Projects and Charity Association of Macau Business Readers

Mr. Francis Lui Yiu Tung, Chair of UTM Development Foundation and Vice-Chair of UTM Council

Education for Tomorrow’s Tourism

Mr. Francis Lui Yiu Tung, who is also Chairman of K. Wah Group and Galaxy Entertainment Group, is committed to supporting the development of Macao’s next generation of culture and tourism leaders through a multi-pronged approach

“In 2024, I took on the additional role of Chair of the Trustees Committee of the UTM Development Foundation. These positions have allowed me to leverage my industry experience to offer insights and recommendations for the University’s growth. I have been deeply moved by the dedication of the University’s faculty and staff in nurturing future leaders for Macao’s tourism industry.”

“As a leading higher education institution in the world specializing in culture, tourism and hospitality, the University has earned widespread recognition for its high-quality teaching, diverse facilities, and academic excellence—producing graduates with both professional expertise and global vision. With the Yiu Tung Building officially in operation, I hope it will inspire and empower our youth to embark on remarkable journeys of their own, guided by the same vision.”

“In the future, the Foundation and the Council will further support UTM in advancing high-quality and innovative teaching and research, and bridging academic achievements with the evolving needs of the industry. With the continued support of the Macao SAR Government, I look forward to working closely with UTM and all sectors of the community to further strengthen the high-quality development of Macao as a ‘World Center of Tourism and Leisure’.”

Spiritual Landmark

Yiu Tung Building

The newly renovated educational building at the Taipa Campus was officially inaugurated and became fully operational in 2025

Special Gallery

CELEBRATIONS

UTM held its 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Macau Tower on 15 September 2025, gathering with the community to review the university’s development journey and achievements over the past thirty years, and to express heartfelt gratitude to all sectors for their long-standing support.

How things started

Our Origins

UTM was established in 1995, but its story began 2 decades earlier

UTM’s beginnings can be traced back to the 1970s, when the then-Portuguese administration in Macao decided to establish a tourism school in the city. A Tourism and Hotel School, run as a vocational education and training unit, was inaugurated in 1982, at Mong-Há Hill. It already included the Pousada de Mong-Há training hotel, created from an unfinished building originally intended for use as a military sergeants’ mess by the Portuguese administration. The University of East Asia Polytechnic College began offering in 1986 Macao’s first programme in Hotel Management. In 1991, the college became Macao Polytechnic Institute, and continued to offer that programme. The next step in UTM’s formation came in 1993, when then-Governor Vasco Rocha Vieira decided to establish a publicly-run, higher education institution, solely focused on tourism.

UTM was officially inaugurated on 15 September, 1995. It absorbed the Tourism and Hotel School, which still exists as a sub-unit of the University, focused on vocational training. A second sub-unit was established to offer higher-education programmes, taking over from Macao Polytechnic Institute the teaching of the programme in Hotel Management. UTM boomed via the rapid expansion of Macao’s tourism and hospitality industry, following the city’s return to Chinese administration. The University grew from a boutique school, into a top education provider in Asia for would-be professionals in the field. The University additionally saw dramatic increases not only in the number of students, but also in the quality and impact of its programmes. That has been widely recognised, as UTM continues collecting awards and other accolades, domestically and internationally.

Our Mission

to become a leading higher education institution in tourism and service industry studies that equips students with professional knowledge and technical competence in preparation for their future leadership responsibilities in the industry

Learn more

Nurturing talents in culture and tourism, promoting diversified development.

Mr. Ip Wa Chiu

Assistant Commissioner of the Macau Customs

Thirty years of weathering the storms, nurturing countless talents who now shine brightly

Mr. Lao Ngai Leong

Macao deputy to China's National People's Congres and Chairman of the Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macao

Rooted in Macao, Serving the Society. Happy 30th Anniversary to Macao University of Tourism!

Mr. Wu Zhiliang

President of the board of directors of the Macao Foundation

UTM has cultivated a large number of outstanding tourism professionals, making significant contributions to the development of the ‘World Tourism and Leisure Centre’.

Ms. Lau Kam Ling

Chairwoman of the Women's General Association of Macau

UTM has achieved remarkable results in industry-academia-research collaboration, providing robust talent support for the development of Macao's tourism industry.

Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes

Director of Macao Government Tourism Office

We hope to continue our cooperation with UTM, as part of our effort in striving for excellence in learning and in educational innovation.

Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A.

In addition to offering internships at the Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace resorts, the group is also a provider of UTM student scholarships

As the only higher education institution in Macao focusing on tourism education, UTM has laid the foundation for the sustainable development of Macao’s tourism industry.

Galaxy Entertainment Group

The company has, since 2014/2015, been offering scholarships to UTM students, encouraging them to take overseas exchanges and internships

We hope UTM will continue to promote high-quality study programmes and to provide excellent educational experiences to students, enabling them to master relevant knowledge and skills to contribute to the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry.

L’Arc Macau

The company started its scholarship programme for UTM students almost 15 years ago, making it a long-standing partner of the University

For three decades, UTM has been a pioneer in hospitality and tourism education, setting the highest standards and nurturing exceptional professionals. Many of whom have made remarkable contributions to Macao and the global industry.

Ms. Jocelyn Wong

Chairman, Macau Hotel Association

UTM Rector Dr. Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan

New Potential Unlocked

UTM has come a long way in just 30 years, from a boutique educational unit, to a fully-fledged higher education institution, says the Rector

“Looking back over the past three decades, UTM has remained steady to complete its mission to cultivate high-quality talent for the tourism and service industries. When established in 1995, the University offered diploma and degree programmes to just over one hundred students, with relatively limited resources and facilities. Today, our degree programmes enrol over 2,800 students, while our short courses and professional training programmes benefit close to twenty thousand participants annually.”

“This growth represents an exponential leap in our scale of operation. At the same time, teaching quality, facilities and academic development have all reached new heights. At present, we are steadily advancing the extension of our educational provision to the Cooperation Zone, actively preparing for the construction of a new campus. Transitional teaching will commence in the coming academic year, with a gradual expansion of our scale of operation.”

“We look forward to leveraging the extensive space for development in the Cooperation Zone to further strengthen our teaching and research capacities, foster deeper integration of industry, academia and research, and cultivate more high-calibre talent for the Greater Bay Area and the nation as a whole, thereby contributing to regional development.”

“Looking ahead, the University will consolidate efforts to uphold its dedication to its core mission: shaping future leaders who can contribute to the sustainability of the tourism industry in Macao, the nation, and beyond.”

History of the University

OUR TIMELINE

Over the past 30 years, UTM has experienced many milestone events that have made significant contributions to the education sector and society as a whole

1995-2000

Opening and first steps

THE EARLY DAYS

UTM is officially established in August 1995, led by its inaugural president, Dr. Virgínia Trigo. Classes start the following month, with just two higher-diploma programmes on offer – Tourism, and Hotel Management. Half a year later, the University launches its own logo. In December 1996, the Tourism Business Management Bachelor Degree Programme is established. The quality of education at UTM rapidly gains international acclaim. In April 1997, the University receives the Gold Award in “Education and Training” from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in recognition of the quality of its programmes. The University becomes, in March 2000, the first institution worldwide accredited by the United Nations World Tourism Organization UN Tourism.TedQual Certification System for tourism education.

2001-2005

Key Developments

A NEW ERA

Following the establishment of the MSAR in late 1999, and the liberalisation of the gaming industry in 2002, the city’s tourism and hospitality industry enters a period of rapid growth that boosts the role of UTM. Dr. Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan is appointed President, in November 2001. In April the following year, the University is again presented with the PATA Gold Award in “Education and Training” (pictured), now for having set up the Macao Occupational Skills Recognition System (MORS), a training and certification scheme covering a variety of industry job categories. Other key developments take place during this period. The UTM Alumni Association is established in September 2002. A year later, the Inspiration Building, on the Mong-Há Campus, opens. In September 2005, the Institute launches 2 new Bachelor-Degree Programmes: Heritage Management; and Tourism Event Management.

2006-2010

Evening Degrees Available

EXPANDING OFFERING

UTM enlarges its educational offering. In 2009, it launches a daytime programme leading to a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Retail and Marketing Management. In December that year, the Community Education and Development Programme Training Centre is established, offering Macao residents access to a wide range of free, basic training courses related to the services sector. In September 2010, UTM launches its first 2 Evening Bachelor Degree Programmes, Hotel Management; and Tourism Event Management, each with instruction in Chinese. The University continues to receive accolades during this phase of its development. The MSAR Government honours UTM in December 2008 with the Medal of Merit in Tourism (pictured). UTM’s two training units, the Educational Restaurant, and Pousada de Mong-Há, get recommendations in the inaugural 2009 Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau guide. They are featured in all subsequent editions – to date – of the annual guide. In 2009, UTM inaugurates a second set of facilities, located in the César Fortune Building, Taipa.

2011-2015

Taipa Campus

MORE SPACE, BETTER PROSPECTS

The Taipa Campus launches with a plaque-unveiling ceremony (pictured) in October 2015. The site consists of several existing buildings that the MSAR Government grants to the University after the University of Macau moves from Taipa to Hengqin Island. The Taipa campus includes the University’s first Student Hostel. It starts welcoming students from outside Macao in November 2015, even before the rest of the Taipa campus is operational. Teaching at the new campus begins in August 2016, and UTM vacates the Taipa facilities in the César Fortune Building. On the curricular front, UTM launches one more Bachelor Degree Programme: the Culinary Arts Management Programme, introduced in September 2011.

2016-2020

Growing reach

A FULLY-FLEDGED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

From 2016, UTM takes part in a number of tourism education-related initiatives to help achieve goals set by the Central Government in relation to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The goals include making Macao a Tourism Education and Training Base for the region. The UTM Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training is officially established in November 2016, following a partnership between the MSAR Government and the UN Tourism. The Centre provides training – in cooperation with the UN Tourism– for tourism officials from other parts of Asia, and professionals from further afield. A new governing Charter for UTM takes effect in August 2019. The expanded organisational structure of the University – as set out under the new Charter – includes a Council; comprising various stakeholders and designed to oversee UTM’s development. The University launches in August 2019 its first group of postgraduate programmes, at diploma-, master’s degree-, and PhD-level. Almost 25 years after its establishment, the University becomes a fully-fledged, higher education institution.

2021-Present

At the forefront

BRIDGING THE WORLD

UTM has actively advanced its global strategy. In 2021, UTM has launched a series of postgraduate courses in collaboration with the UN Tourism Academy, becoming the first higher education institution partner in Asia to offer tourism-focused courses within its postgraduate programmes. In the same year, UTM was appointed to be the protection unit for ‘National Intangible Cultural Heritage Macanese Culinary Arts’, which forms part of the University’s efforts to help promote the education and increase awareness of Macanese cuisine.
UTM continues to establish partnerships with world-renowned institutions to offer international collaborative programmes. Starting in 2022, UTM introduced “3+1 Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme” with Swiss institutions such as Les Roches, and “1+1 Dual Master’s Degree Programme” with The University of Queensland in Australia. The university has since expanded its collaborations to include dual-degree and certificate programmes with institutions such as: Swiss Hotel Management School, César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, Hotel Institute Montreux, University of Surrey (UK), University Institute of Lisbon (Portugal), Foshan University, and Duy Tan University (Vietnam), extending its academic network across Europe and Asia.
The year 2024 marked a major institutional milestone. The Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR approved the Juridical Regime of the Macao University of Tourism (UTM, and on April 1, the institution was renamed the Macao University of Tourism (UTM). This transition grants the university greater flexibility in international talent recruitment and enhanced academic autonomy. The same year also saw the establishment of the UTM Development Foundation, which will support academic innovation and strengthen global competitiveness, opening a new chapter in the university’s development.

From 1995 to 2001

The Pioneering President

Dr. Virgínia Trigo was the first ever President of the University, and the strength of her vision for the Institute is still keenly felt throughout tourism education in Macao

“Thirty years ago, when we first laid the foundations of what was then IFT, we carried in our hearts a vision: to create a place where knowledge, professionalism, and passion for tourism and hospitality could flourish.”

“The early days were full of challenges, but also of hope, courage, and determination. Our dreams often felt larger than our resources, but today I am immensely proud to see that vision standing before me as a fully grown university, nationally and internationally recognized for its quality, its impact, and its spirit. This transformation is not just an institutional achievement: it is the shared work of Rector Fanny Vong and her team, of generations of faculty and staff, students, and industry partners.”

“May this university keep dreaming boldly, teaching wisely, and inspiring generations to come. And may its light continue to shine for the next 30 years, and beyond.”

A look back

ALUMNI MEMORIES

In celebration of UTM’s 30th year, alumni reminisce about their time at the University, reflect on standout memories and consider how UTM has influenced the life they lead today.

Dr. Connie Loi, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of UTM

Education as a Mission, Students as the Core

Dr. Connie Loi, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of UTM, shares her educational philosophy and the direction of the University's academic development.

“The outstanding achievements of our alumni in the tourism industry are a testament to the value of the high-quality education and professional training provided by the University. As an alumna myself, I have benefited directly from such cultivation, which is why I firmly believe in placing ‘student needs’ at the core of educational design.”

“The University’s academic development strategy is built on a commitment to quality, interdisciplinary integration, and innovation. In recent years, guided by the ‘Tourism+’ educational philosophy, UTM has continuously optimised our programme structure and expanded a multi-level talent cultivation system to include undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. We are actively introducing advanced international curricula and teaching methods, strengthening faculty development, and integrating academic research with social services to provide students with a broader platform for development.”

“Looking ahead, the University will continue to advance academic development and internationalisation strategies. This means not only expanding postgraduate education but also enhancing the quality and impact of research. We will deepen collaborations with internationally renowned institutions, further internationalise our curricula while ensuring they remain locally relevant, and strengthen industry-academia-research partnerships. The University’s goal is to cultivate high-quality tourism talent with both global vision and local commitment, thereby injecting sustained momentum into the development of Macao and the Greater Bay Area.”

UTM Official Mascot

Chase

UTM unveiled its first official mascot, “Chase”, inspired by the kingfisher commonly seen in Macao. The mascot symbolises happiness, courage, and determination, embodying best wishes for the University’s future.

Dr. Diamantina Luíza do Rosário Sá Coimbra, Vice-Rector of UTM

New Horizons, Sustainable Future

Dr. Diamantina Rosário, Vice-Rector of UTM, oversees the University's administration and the project planning of the new Hengqin campus, promoting sustainable development and cross-regional collaboration through her multi-faceted perspective

“Sustainability is at the core of UTM’s philosophy. We deeply integrate the concept of sustainable development into the talent cultivation process and campus operations, committed to nurturing students to become industry leaders with awareness in both cultural heritage and sustainable development.＂

“From implementing energy-efficient policies in our campus to reducing waste through initiatives like AI-assisted food waste management systems, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint. Our Michelin Green Star Educational Restaurant, and educational hotel, are not just training grounds but living examples of sustainable practices. These facilities allow students to experiment with and promote eco-friendly culinary and hospitality solutions.”

“Looking forward, the development of the Hengqin campus will provide us with expanded teaching spaces and resources, allowing the concept of sustainable development to be deeply integrated into both curriculum and practical experiences, cultivating students to become responsible industry professionals.”

Long-standing support

Warm Blessings to UTM

UTM has an open vision to integrate global resources and an innovative model to cultivate industry talents

City College of Huizhou

UTM has nurtured a large number of industry leaders with both international perspectives and professional competence, injecting vigorous momentum into the high-quality development of the culture and tourism industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Guangzhou Vocational School of Tourism & Business

Since its establishment, UTM has always adhered to the educational philosophy of "student-centered, pursuit of excellence," committed to cultivating high-quality tourism professionals, and has made outstanding contributions to the development of the tourism industry in Macao and globally

College of Tourism, Huaqiao University

UTM has cultivated the fertile ground of tourism education, nurturing countless talents for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond. It stands as a model of educational cooperation between Macao and Zhuhai.

Zhuhai First Vocational School

UTM has made outstanding contributions to the tourism development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Asia-Pacific region, achieving remarkable results and earning widespread recognition and praise.

Tourism College of Zhejiang

Actively promoting the deep integration of industry and education, and striving to build an international education system, UTM has achieved remarkable accomplishments in talent cultivation, discipline construction, academic innovation, and social services, becoming a benchmark for elite education in culture and tourism.

Prof. Peng Zhiping

President of Jiangmen Polytechnic

UTM actively promotes academic and international exchange activities, with its achievements enjoying acclaim both domestically and internationally in the field of tourism education.

Dongguan Polytechnic

UTM is dedicated to becoming a globally recognized high-quality institution of tourism higher education, insisting on being a leading higher education institution offering internationalised tourism and service industry programmes.

Shunde Polytechnic University

Special Gallery

UTM LIFE THROUGH A LENS

From the early days of the University’s establishment to the visit to the Mong-Há Campus of Madame Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping: 30 moments in UTM’s history, captured in photographs from the University’s archive

Get in touch

Tell us your UTM story

Mong-Há Campus: Colina de Mong-Há, Macao, China

Taipa Campus: Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira,S.N.,Taipa, Macao, China

(853) 2856 1252 / pr@utm.edu.mo