Calls grow to crack down on illegal accommodation ads on social media

Lawmakers and tourism industry representatives are urging stronger enforcement against illegal accommodation advertisements circulating on social media platforms, amid concerns that the supply of affordable legal lodging in Macau remains limited.

Lawmaker Song Pek Kei has called for authorities to target online posts offering illegal lodging services in private residential units, suggesting that accounts promoting such listings should be banned.

The lawmaker, who focuses on community issues related to the Fujian community, also proposed that the government establish coordination mechanisms with social media platforms, including mainland China’s Douyin, to remove posts advertising rooms in illegal guesthouses.

She noted that the resurgence of illegal lodging activities followed the recovery of tourism after the pandemic. As visitor numbers increased and arrivals reached record levels, advertisements for unofficial accommodation also began appearing more frequently online, particularly in the period leading up to the Lunar New Year holidays.

As cited in a report from Hoje Macau, in some social media posts observed at the end of January, listings offering short-term room rentals in Macau were priced between RMB100 and RMB150 per night.

Authorities have stepped up inspections targeting suspected illegal lodging operations. In the first 20 days of the year, 25 apartments suspected of providing unauthorized accommodation were inspected, and 17 of them were sealed.

Song argued that illegal guesthouse activity is driven by two main factors: the limited availability of affordable hotel rooms and the presence of individuals who have overstayed their permitted period of stay in Macau. She said that around 6,000 people are currently believed to be staying in the city beyond their legal authorization.

Tourism sector representatives echoed concerns over the shortage of low-cost lodging options. Andy Wu, chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, said that despite regulatory changes allowing the development of capsule-style hotels, affordable accommodation supply remains insufficient.

Wu added that the price difference between economy hotels and luxury five-star hotels is often narrow during weekdays. He also noted that room rates in nearby Zhuhai remain much lower, with some accommodation priced between RMB100 and RMB200, creating competitive pressure on the hospitality market.