MACAO, June 16 -- The 5th Macao International Travel Expo is to be held next month, featuring six exhibitions zones about the tourism resources in the Chinese mainland, Macao and the portuguese-speaking countries.

The event, lasting from July 7 to July 9, is co-organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Macau Travel Agency Association.

MGTO's director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said at a press briefing that the expo is expected to promote partnership and exchange for the tourism industry, so as to meet Macao's goal to become a world center of tourism and leisure.

The exhibition zones will showcase tourism resources and products in the provinces and cities from the Chinese mainland, Macao, and the portuguese-speaking countries. Besides, a creative zone is set up to introduce Macao's renowned local stores and cultural products.

Up to date, around 180 enterprises and entities from a total of 40 countries and regions have confirmed their participation in the expo, including travel agencies, hotels, tourist attractions, transportation operators and travel-related industries.