The head of marketing for Turismo de Portugal says it plans to surpass the pre-pandemic level of 400,000 Chinese tourists welcomed in 2019.
Portugal
Vasco Rocha Vieira is in the territory until Saturday to collect an honorary doctorate, visit Hengqin and meet with Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng.
Slated for completion in 2024, the 60,000 square metre medical cannabis-growing operations is being built at a cost of some 9.5 million euros.
João Gomes Cravinho, Portugal’s foreign minister, says such a move could alter “our political and economic relationship with China.”
The trip comes as the organisation, set up to promote business links between Macao and lusophone countries, gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Cultural and other ties to Portugal said to feature prominently on Ho’s agenda.
Portuguese Casino Association says country’s 11 casinos’ income soared in 2022 – with gaming income of EUR 162.4 million in first 8 months.
Goals include adding 2 GW of installed capacity by 2025, investing over 6 billion euros by 2030 and hiring 400 workers in next two years.
Entry to Portugal also eased as Portuguese language country citizens no longer need to present travel insurance, proof of means of subsistence or copy of return ticket.