Tourism sector hails reinstatement of China visas

Local associations have expressed confidence and support as the central government greenlighted the resumption of group tours to Macau and mainland visas by the end of October.

“The decision [to resume tour groups to Macau and mainland visas in November] can improve the confidence of mainland resident’s to travel to Macau,” said the Macau president of the Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macau, Lao Nga Wong.

Lao said the resumption could increase tourist visits to Macau and also believes it could prompt an economic recovery in Macau. It was also good news for mainland tourism authorities as mainland residents could be allowed to travel to Macau. 

Meanwhile, he expects the government will continue to work towards the validity of the nucleic acid test (NAT) being changed to seven days.

“This measure benefits the employees in the leisure and tourism industries such as integrated resorts and hotels, travel agencies, conventions and exhibitions, tourism, catering and retail,” said Macau Leisure Tourism Services Innovation Association president, Wong Fai.

Wong explained Macau is the only area exempt from quarantine in mainland China. He believes the measures could help to attract more tourists to travel to Macau. 

Wong hopes that the authorities could communicate with mainland authorities to implement the measures as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, renewed group tours could help travel businesses such as tour guides, coach drivers and travel agencies affected by the pandemic outbreak.

The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau ZAPE president, Wu Tat Chong, said the implementation of the measures shows that Chinese authorities fully recognize the work of the Macau government and Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, and fully support its pandemic prevention work to improve residents’ livelihoods and promote economic development in Macau. Staff Reporter