Finance Secretary Lei Wai Nong says new measure will boost Macao’s economy; tourism chief says city has capacity to welcome even more tourists.
Macao tourism
Around 3 million Hong Kong visitors expected by year’s end, less than half pre-pandemic annual total of 7 million.
Tourism officials expect up to 50,000 daily visitors, and 50 per cent hotel occupancy between 22 and 28 January; city to have more flights starting next month.
Promotions for foreign tourists to include buy-one-get-one-free offers and tour group packages; campaign will be coordinated with resumption of Air Macau’s international routes.
Most visitors cross land border with mainland China but steady flow of arrivals from Hong Kong helps boost visitor figures.
Programme originally scheduled to end on 1 January; city’s six gaming operators also continue to present shows until 31 January.
Around 280,000 mainland Chinese tourists have visited Macao this month; Hong Kong tour groups expected to arrive today.
Macao flag-carrier plans to run more than 5,700 flights between Macao and 17 mainland Chinese cities in coming months; launching new route to Fuzhou.
Travel industry chief welcomes return of mainland Chinese groups, who see Macao as a ‘safe destination’ despite recent Covid-19 outbreak.
