Deputy Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Ricky Hoi told the media that his office is about to launch a public consultation on the levy of tourist tax.
Levy discussions started months ago, when many Macau tourist attractions were becoming overcrowded several times within a year. Comments varied, as those in favor of the levy thought the income could be used to improve Macau’s infrastructure in future, while those against it thought the levy would fail to control the influx of tourists and only increase the government’s income.
Meanwhile, the MGTO thought a consultation necessary. It will target residents, tourists and the industry. The consultation will take place online, with a dedicated website to be made in association with the Institute for Tourism Studies. Currently, data about tourists’ feeling about a possible levy are being collected at all the immigration checkpoints, Hoi says.
The MGTO expects the consultation to run for a month, with the possibility of an extension depending on the popularity of the consultation. In other words, the MGTO has no idea how much data is required to be make a representative sample.
Hoi also noted the tourist flow report system will be available on other MGTO’s digital platforms.
No Comments