Macanese tourism director
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (Chinese: 文綺華[1]) is a Macanese civil servant, currently heading the Macau government's tourism office. She is a recipient of the Medal of Merit from the Macau government, an office-holder in the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and serves on several government committees.
Career
Senna Fernandes worked for a year in banking[2] before she joined the Macau government's tourism department in 1988,[3] working initially in their marketing department, then in promotions, and later serving as deputy director.[4][5] Since 2012, she has been the director of the Macau Government Tourism Office, replacing João Manuel Costa Antunes[6][7] and heading the regulation of Macau's significant tourism industry.[4] In 2021, her tenure as director was extended to 2023.[8]
She also serves on a number of government committees in Macau, including acting as the co-coordinator of the Tourism Crisis Management Office, and as a member of the Macau government's Economic Development Committee, Cultural Advisory Committee, Creative Industries Committee, and the Urban Planning Committee.[4] She also serves on the committee that organizes the Macau Grand Prix,[5] and during her tenure as tourism director, oversaw the renovation and reopening of the Macau Grand Prix Museum in 2021.[9]
In 2016, the Macau government presented her with the Medal of Merit, for her services to tourism.[10] In 2018, she was elected the treasurer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association.[3] Senna Fernandes has also participated in the Macau government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with respect to repatriating Macanese citizens.[11]
Biography
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes was born in Macau, and her family is of Eurasian descent. She studied business administration at the University of Macau, graduating in 1987.[4] She speaks several languages, including English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Portuguese.[5]
References
