Alexis Tam announces Report on tourism capacity to be completed ‘within one week’

The Chief Executive (CE) has requested the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, to prepare a report on Macau’s tourism capacity, which will be later submitted to the central government. Chui Sai On, who is now in Beijing to join the annual National People’s Congress (NPC) meeting, told reporters yesterday that he will be meeting China’s Minister of Tourism He Guangwey and representatives of the People’s Bank of China.
“I have sent a notice to Secretary Alexis Tam, requesting that as soon as possible they make an analysis [of the city’s tourism capacity], particularly in Macau’s borders. They will be preparing a report that I will later submit to the central government,” he stated, as quoted by Lusa news agency.
Alexis Tam said yesterday that he had already requested the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) to draft the report on Macau’s tourism capacity, which should be completed within one week, according to a statement issued by the Government Information Bureau (GCS). Mr Tam revealed that the final report will likely be submitted to the central government before May.
Mr Tam previously stated that there’s a need to review the city’s tourism capacity and to further discuss the individual visa scheme. Mr Chui also acknowledged that the scheme helped Macau’s economy to recover after the SARS crisis, but that it is advisable to assess the city’s infrastructure capacity as well as a possible impact on residents’ quality of life.
Speaking to reporters last month, the Secretary had revealed that Macau’s administration would be discussing with the central government measures “to control and optimize” the city’s tourist influx.
The report, which MGTO will be drafting, looks into Macau’s tourism capacity progress between 2003 and 2015. It will also analyze the policy governing individual visa schemes. On the sidelines of a meeting with the Committee on Elderly Citizens’ Affairs, Mr Tam told the media there’s a need to review and optimize the individual visa scheme. He stressed that he’s expecting MGTO’s report to be completed in one week’s time.
The Secretary recalled that Macau’s tourism industry plays a crucial role in the city’s economy, adding that “tourists are welcome [here], either to visit or acquire products the city offers.” However, he stated it is also important to understand whether a growing number of tourists coming to town might affect residents’ quality of life.
“We can think about it, and allow tourists to visit town at other times too, for instance over summer,” he added.
Mr Tam acknowledged that Macau’s tourism industry would likely be concerned over the impact of such a statement. Therefore, the government is planning to define new policies cautiously, taking into consideration any possible impact for local businesses.  CP

Revenue slump corresponds to Gov’t forecasts

Chief Executive Chui Sai On has mantained that a continuous gaming revenue decline is in accordance with the government’s forecasts and is not likely to affect its budget. “We will make adjustments to the economic sector, while certainly complying with the Basic Law,” he said, hinting that an expenditure restraint policy is to be implemented, which might imply outlining a more cautious budget this year.