Cheong: Resumption of group travels to boost gaming operators’ investment confidence

As Macau prepares to welcome the return of mainland tour groups from end-October, seven hopeful gaming concession bidders are likely to gain confidence from the move, which will bring an end to the tourism drought that has negatively impacted the economy.

According to André Cheong, Secretary for Administration and Justice, the SAR government is “confident that the concessionaires will bet on the future of Macau,” following the resumption of organized tours and the issuing of electronic visas for visits to Macau, by November, as part of Beijing’s “initiative to support Macau’s economic diversification.” 

The issuance of group package tours to Macau and eVisas under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) is shaping up to be a massive boost for the SAR’s gaming and tourism operators, which have been negatively affected since the pandemic began in early 2020.

According to Cheong, the reinstatement will boost the gaming operators’ confidence to continue investing in the SAR, admitting that it was natural for the bidders to have concerns about the possible return of investment to the city. 

The first group of tourists will hail from Shanghai and four Chinese provinces including Guangdong, after the central government greenlighted the move.

Authorities pledged Macau would still adhere to the zero-Covid policy, implying that if an outbreak occurs, the city will tighten restrictions.