After a decade-long hiatus, UFC returned to Macau for a highly anticipated Fight Night on November 23rd, 2024. Destination Sport China, which provides a trusted destination management service for professional sports organisations visiting the region, was chosen by UFC to deliver seamless and efficient travel experiences for event staff and partners attending the sold-out event.
Event Overview:
- Event: UFC Fight Night Macau
- Date: 23 November 2024
- Location: Galaxy Arena, Macau, China
- Headliners: Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Challenge
The event required meticulous planning and execution to manage the travel logistics for approximately 300 guests, including UFC staff and partners. The primary challenge was ensuring smooth arrivals and departures amidst flight delays, cancellations and last-minute changes. Additionally, the temporary closure of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge on departure day posed a significant logistical hurdle.
Solution
Destination Sport Group’s China team were on the ground in Hong Kong and Macau ensuring that all travellers were taken care of. Collaborating closely with the UFC team, they helped to ensure the Fight Night event went smoothly for all.
The Destination Sport China team continuously monitored flight statuses and traffic alerts to anticipate and address potential disruptions. Quick turnaround solutions were implemented to accommodate numerous flight delays and cancellations, while alternative transportation routes were arranged to ensure timely transport to and from Hong Kong International Airport in response to the bridge closure.
The team demonstrated exceptional coordination and adaptability throughout the event week. Their approach included:
- Dedicated Onsite Team: A team was stationed in both Hong Kong and Macau to manage arrivals and departures, ensuring real-time communication and swift problem-solving.
- Contingency Planning: Multiple contingency plans were developed to address potential issues, such as rerouting guests if necessary.
- Client Communication: Regular updates were provided to the UFC team, keeping them informed of any changes and ensuring transparency in all decisions.
Outcome
Despite the challenges, the event was a resounding success, with all 300 guests arriving and departing without major disruptions. The professionalism and dedication of the Destination Sport China team was highlighted in a testimonial from the UFC China team, praising their client-focused approach and ability to adapt swiftly to changing conditions.
Testimonial
“We had the pleasure of working with the Destination Sport team, led by Stephanie Ho and Cara Zhang, during UFC Fight Night Macau, and their support was nothing short of exceptional. Destination Sport played a critical role in arranging and managing transportation for staff and guests travelling to and from Hong Kong International Airport throughout the event week.
“The Destination Sport team demonstrated incredible professionalism, handling long hours with dedication and adapting swiftly to ever-changing travel conditions. Their expertise shone through as they proactively monitored traffic alerts and implemented timely countermeasures to ensure smooth logistics.
“What truly stood out was their client-focused approach. They consistently prioritized our interests by keeping a close eye on budget spending and providing detailed cost comparisons to help us make the best decisions.
“It was an absolute pleasure working with such skilled professionals who also brought great energy to the table. We look forward to collaborating with the Destination Sport team again in the future!”
Leanne Chu – Vice President, Business Operations
Martin Yuan – Director, Business Operations
Summary
This case study highlights Destination Sport Group’s ability to manage complex travel logistics for high-profile events on a global scale. The group’s expertise and client-focused approach ensure seamless operations, while its significant global presence reinforces Destination Sport’s position as a world-leading sports travel business.
The successful execution of UFC Fight Night Macau also demonstrates the capabilities of Destination Sport China. Headquartered in Shanghai, the team handles significant travel projects for elite teams and events visiting mainland China and parts of Asia, as well as servicing teams and fans departing the region to attend major sporting events around the world.
You can learn more about Destination Sport China here. The business can also be found on WeChat.
