The first group of tourists from the Chinese mainland holding special multiple entry visas arrived in Macao yesterday, according to a government statement.
Representatives of the Macao Government Tourism Office, and the city’s official tourism mascot Mak Mak, welcomed the group on its arrival at Hengqin Port.
The new visas allow mainland Chinese tourists – who make up the vast majority of visitors to Macao – to make multiple trips in and out of the city. This makes it possible for them to stay in cheaper accommodation in Hengqin, a district of the mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai, Macao’s close neighbour.
[See more: How to enjoy Macao on a budget]
Previously, such tourists were only given single-entry visas, making stays in Hengqin impractical.
The new arrangement is expected to be a boon for budget travellers, who find Macao’s hotels expensive. Rooms at Macao’s integrated resorts can cost as much as 4,000 patacas (US$493) during peak seasons, such as the Lunar New Year, putting them well beyond the reach of many mainland Chinese.
Hotels in Hengqin are far more affordable, and the district operates a 24-hour border checkpoint with Macao, making travel convenient.
