MGTO aims to boost ‘community economy’ with Barra-Coloane boat tours

The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) stated yesterday that it is sponsoring three activities to be held between tomorrow and May 25, featuring Barra-Coloane boat tours.

Departing from Barra Pier and disembarking in Coloane, the daily trips feature waterfront explorations and combined promotions in partnership with retailers and service providers, visiting a number of attractions to learn more about Macau’s history and its blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures.

According to an MGTO statement, the campaign aims to promote community tourism and stimulate Macau’s economy by linking about 30 community businesses, including beverage shops, souvenir shops, bakeries, restaurants, cosmetic shops, shoe shops, and pharmacies. The businesses will offer discounts and concessions, as well as coupons through interactive games to boost the “community economy.”

Among the four tours, the one starting tomorrow will feature the adventures of the MGTO mascot, “Mak Mak,” guiding participants along the harborfront route from Barra Pier to Coloane Pier. The other two tours will begin on April 18 and April 27, respectively, featuring a tea ceremony and a Han-style clothing experience, which showcases the traditional dress of the Han Chinese people.

Meanwhile, in response to a written inquiry by lawmaker Lam Lon Wai yesterday regarding the government’s efforts on regional tourism cooperation among mainland cities, the tourism chief noted that the policy of recognizing the professional qualifications of Hong Kong and Macau tour guides has been implemented in several mainland cities, including Hengqin.

This allows tour guides from both regions to practice across the border.

MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes noted in late February that over the past five years, more than 11,000 participants have taken part in tourism education and training programs organized by the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA).

These programs include forums, seminars, on-site learning, vocational skills training, and competitions.

Staff Reporter