MGTO to continually boost tourism

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is extending its collaboration with Qantas to promote airfare discounts aimed at attracting international visitors. This initiative, which began this year with Air Macau, has a budget of MOP100 million and focuses primarily on international routes.

MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes told TDM yesterday that while specific details on ticket sales are still pending, the emphasis will be on discounted fares and promotional activities in local shopping centers.

Macau’s hotel occupancy rate has recently reached an impressive 90%, and it is expected to remain strong during the Christmas to New Year’s Day holidays. In addition to Qantas, Air Macau plans to resume flights to destinations such as Fukuoka, Japan, although updates from Qantas have yet to be received.

The upcoming holiday season is expected to provide various opportunities to local hotels and businesses.

In December, several events are scheduled, including a fireworks display on Christmas Day, a concert performance Dec. 28 at the outdoor arena in Cotai, and the return of “Light Up Macao 2024.”

The lights festival features artists from overseas, mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Senna Fernandes expressed optimism about reaching a target of 33 million visitors in 2024, with hopes of surpassing 34 million by year-end. This year alone, the number of international tourists has already exceeded two million, marking a significant recovery for the sector, she said.

Looking ahead, MGTO is planning promotional roadshows in Akihabara, Japan, as well as industry conferences in Riyadh and Dubai. Nadia Shaw