The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is attempting to broaden the city’s international visitor numbers through travel offers that are designed to lure overseas travellers across the estuary from Hong Kong.
One such incentive includes special travel offers for international cruise passengers to participate in Macao tours while their ship is docked in Hong Kong.
According to an MGTO press release, 12 international cruise companies have launched such Macao sightseeing products so far, which take visitors to various destinations including the city’s historic centre, Macao Tower and the integrated resorts.
From 1 February, overseas tourists will also be able to claim a free ferry and direct bus ticket from Hong Kong to Macao.
[See more: Officials hope to expand Macao’s marine tourism offerings]
Under the scheme, which will be available until 31 July, international visitors can enjoy a free ferry trip to Macao as long as they present their passport and documents that prove their arrival in Hong Kong was during the last seven days.
As well, overseas travellers flying into Hong Kong International Airport can obtain a free direct bus ticket from the airport to Macao through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge by showing their travel documents and boarding pass while airside. The initiative is set to last until 31 August.
According to the MGTO, it hopes that the offers “can provide favourable and convenient transport services for international visitors while boosting their intention to travel to Macao.”
This year, Macao is hoping to reach approximately two million overseas visitors through a concerted effort to promote the city to markets in Southeast Asia and beyond. The city’s tourism market is still heavily dependent on the Mainland Chinese market, which accounted for 67.5 percent of the total number of arrivals last year.
