A number of tourism promotions are taking place in Macao’s residential areas this month and next. The aim is to revitalise businesses in these areas, which struggle to attract both tourist dollars and local consumers, who prefer shopping destinations on the Chinese mainland, where prices are far cheaper.
According to a statement released by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) last Friday, a treasure hunt maritime tour will take place on 27 and 28 April, incorporating elements such as games, workshops and a cruise between Barra and Coloane.
The Praia do Manduco Carnival will meanwhile take place between 1 and 31 May in the inner harbour area, with guided tours, exhibitions, music performances and film screenings. The MGTO will also be sponsoring a Chinese-English urban tour of Guanyin culture, which will take place daily at various temples from 30 April to 31 May.
[See more: Many businesses in Macao are struggling as locals head north]
A member of the Municipal Advisory Committee, Chan Pou Sam, was meanwhile reported by local media as saying that the government should set up an inter departmental organisation to coordinate different measures to reverse the downturn that local businesses are facing.
Chan added that Macao’s status as a City of Gastronomy would be on shaky grounds if historic eateries were to disappear. According to local media outlet Exmoo, a number of eateries with decades of history have either closed down or changed hands recently, including the Heong Tou Cafe on Avenida de Horta e Costa and Vong Kam Kok restaurant in Iao Hon.
Chan also suggested that efforts be made to help traditional businesses build up an online presence.
