Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes

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]

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]