Gov’t to speed up licensing for budget lodging

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announced plans to expedite the licensing process for budget accommodations under the revised hotel operations law.

The updated regulation introduces two new lodging categories – youth hostels and capsule hotels – and is supported by supplementary administrative rules that define facility and service requirements.

According to the MGTO, once applications are approved, a joint inspection committee, comprising officials from the MGTO and technical departments, will visit the site to assess facilities.

Reports will be issued on-site to streamline the licensing process and improve operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, in a written response to lawmaker Leong Hong Sai, the MGTO confirmed that facial recognition will be introduced at Hengqin Port.

Currently, the port operates 48 self-service e-gates in the main passenger hall and 16 in the vehicle passenger clearance hall.

The new facial scan system is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

Authorities also noted that both traditional two-door and co-inspection e-gates have gradually expanded their user eligibility. The government said the Public Security Police is working to broaden the scope of all self-service clearance systems and advance the application of biometric technology to ease cross-border travel. LV