Macao University of Tourism celebrates 30 Years of Global Impact
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For three decades, the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) has developed the visionary leaders behind Macao's emergence as a global tourism powerhouse. Ranked 13th globally and 3rd in Asia in the QS World University Rankings for Hospitality and Leisure Management (2025), UTM has become a beacon for students and professionals seeking to master the art and science of tourism in an increasingly interconnected world.
UTM is forging powerful international academic alliances that create unparalleled opportunities for students. In addition, the university has established dual-degree programmes with leading universities, such as Switzerland’s prestigious Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education, Swiss Hotel Management School, and Glion Institute (QS No. 2, No. 3, and No. 6 in Hospitality & Leisure Management, 2025), as well as Portugal's renowned University Institute of Lisbon (Times Higher Education No. 5 in Portugal, 2025), Australia’s leading University of Queensland (QS No. 40 in World University Ranking, 2025), and the U.K.’s University of Surrey (QS No. 16 in Hospitality & Leisure Management, 2025), allowing students to earn qualifications from both institutions.
Beyond academia, UTM maintains a strategic partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to advance quality education and human capital development through innovation and technology. This collaboration enhances two of UTM's Master of Science programmes—Digital Marketing and Analytics and Smart Technologies in Hospitality and Tourism—where graduates receive both UTM's degree and a joint UN Tourism-UTM certification, boosting their global employability and academic prospects. Through these collaborations, students gain access to global networks and cross-cultural campus life.
“Our global network ensures students graduate with truly international competencies,” explains Rector Fanny Vong. “When they study alongside peers from different continents and learn from faculty with worldwide experience, they develop the adaptability needed in today's borderless tourism industry.”
Cultivating Tourism Industry Leaders
General Manager of the Capella at Galaxy Macau
“Each promotion or venture into a new area fills me with gratitude for the expertise and knowledge UTM provided. The core fundamentals instilled by the University remain indelible.” Recalling university years, Andy fondly remembers his practical experience at the educational hotel in UTM’s Mong-Há Campus. From front desk reception and housekeeping services to handling guest inquiries and paperwork, all these experiences provided him with a valuable hands-on platform for hotel operations. In addition to practical experience, the theoretical knowledge imparted by UTM, including statistics, financial theory and table manners, has occasionally proven useful in his work.
Director of the Customer Services Branch at Macau International Airport Company Limited
“UTM is committed to becoming an academic institution that equally values both teaching and research, consistently providing a platform for students with great ambition, and offering the appropriate resources, guidance and diverse opportunities to help individuals showcase their talents in the tourism and hospitality industry.” João remained dedicated, leveraging the various opportunities provided by the University to broaden his international perspective and establish his own life direction. During his studies, João interned in Malaysia and Portugal, gaining valuable insight into the importance of practical experience and perseverance.
International Environment Helps Students Achieve Success
Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics
“I learned about the UN Tourism internship recruitment through the University and was ultimately selected to intern for three months in the Asia-Pacific Department in Madrid, Spain. This experience allowed me to gain in-depth insights into the latest operational models and industry trends in global tourism while personally engaging with and connecting to elite professionals from around the world.”
Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management
In 2024, the 47th WorldSkills Competition was held in Lyon, France, bringing together over 1,400 outstanding young competitors from around the world. Jennie won the Medallion for Excellence in Cooking (Western Cuisine). “Thanks to the professional training and valuable exchange opportunities offered by UTM, allowing me to grow rapidly in a short time and laid a solid foundation for future careers.”
Bachelor of Science in Tourism Business Management
In 2024, Killian attended the Asia-Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education (APacCHRIE) international conference in South Korea, where he won the Best Paper Award for his graduation thesis. “UTM always encourages students to attend international conferences. This experience provided me with the valuable opportunity to engage with outstanding scholars and students from around the world.”