For nearly 450 years, Macao was a trading post and colony of Portugal. The city’s architecture, religion, traditions, food, and community is a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. When the trading post was first settled in the mid-16th century, Macao was the original Portuguese spelling; however, in modern Portuguese, the spelling changed to Macau.
Both are correct (and officially accepted); however, in English speaking countries, Macao is becoming more common. An iconic example of “East meets West,” Macao’s historic center comprises more than 20 monuments and squares that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2005. For more information, visit the Macao Government Tourism Office website.
Mr. Hanratty has held senior executive positions in four major industries in his 47 year career, the last 21 years in travel. Over that span he has led or held senior executive positions with some of the most successful vacation brands namely, American Express vacations, Delta vacations, Continental Airlines Vacations, United Vacations, Southwest Airlines Vacations Future Vacations and Travel impressions where he served for 10 years as CMO and COO. Mr. Hanratty also served in a number of executive board level positions including two years as Chairman of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) while working at Travel Impressions.
“Nearly half my adult career has been in travel and once you’ve worked in this industry it’s almost impossible to leave it. Starting in the early 70’s I began to travel the globe extensively for both business and pleasure and have been very fortunate to visit over 60 countries on six continents. My years in the travel industry in particular have afforded me some of the most unique experiences of my life and it those experiences that I want to ensure we bring to Avanti’s travelers.”
Mr. Hanratty is married has two grown sons and lives in the Austin Texas area commuting regularly between his home office in Austin and Portland, Avanti’s headquarters, directing the company’s marketing and sales teams and lending expertise to other areas of the Avanti infrastructure.
