"There are many projects announced by private investors at the Cotai Strip," said Antunes. "We are expecting a total new picture of convention activities in that area, especially in the exhibition venue area."

"Macau's competitive edge is that Macau is a free economy, and we always follow free economy rules," said Atunes. "For example, the Macau government does not build MICE venues, but does encourage private investors to build such venues. We let the free economy build their own, and focus on the macro approach in promotion and facilitation of any MICE event."

But as Macau rises, they face competition within the region, particularly from their fellow SAR. "We position AsiaWorld-Expo as a global trading platform and identify quality international MICE events and long-term partners that fit into our positioning," said Kenneth Chan, marketing communication manager for Hong Kong's latest convention center: AsiaWorld-Expo. "We leverage the many advantages of Hong Kong, and our positioning is different: global, international events."

Chan said the Expo's event calendar for onwards includes exhibitions and functions on a wide variety of themes, including the China Sourcing Fairs, ITU Telecom World 2006 ("the Olympics of the international telecommunications industry"), and the Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress 2007.

"Our partner hotels offer guaranteed room blocks for AsiaWorld-Expo event attendees," said Chan. "For example, Novotel Citygate in Tung Chung, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (including Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel) and Regal Airport Hotel are our 'On-site Hotel Partners'." According to Chan, there are currently are over 30,000 hotel rooms available within 30 minutes of AsiaWorld-Expo, while "the in-venue AsiaWorld-Expo Station also provides convenient access to all train services on the MTR network."