MGTO exploring ‘Travel Around Macau’ plan to enhance cultural values

The government intends to launch a tourism initiative called “Travel Around Macau” as part of its economic diversification plan, according to Macao Government Tourism Office director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. The relevant plans are currently under consideration and analysis.

In a press conference on economic diversification, Senna Fernandes said that three special funding plans have been launched this year, aimed at fostering community tourism economic development, promoting gastronomy, and encouraging sea tourism to support various communities to enhance their distinctive tourism offerings.

As of the end of September, 16 projects have been completed, with an additional seven projects expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

In another announcement, the MGTO stated that as of September this year, 50% hotel discount coupons have generated more than 994,000 room nights, resulting in nearly MOP1.03 billion in order value. The “buy one air ticket, get one free” promotion has driven nearly 106,000 ticket bookings, amounting to an order amount of nearly MOP152 million patacas.

A subsidy program was also launched in February this year to attract more mainland, Taiwan and international tourists to come to Macau on group tours. As of the end of September, a total of 11,649 groups had applied for the subsidy, amounting to 312,000 people, with an average stay of 2.4 nights.

Furthermore, the “buy-one-get-one-free” discount on bus ferry tickets, designed to attract Hong Kong residents and Taiwanese and international tourists visiting Hong Kong to visit Macau, has resulted in about 295,000 ticket bookings. LV