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Macao’s Tourism Development Committee convened its first Plenary Meeting of 2024 on July 15, led by Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance and Committee Chairperson.
Secretary Lei Wai Nong emphasized the positive trend in visitor arrivals and the recent favorable measures from the Central Government. These measures include expanding the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) to ten additional cities: Xi’an, Qingdao, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan, and Urumqi. Mainland visitors can now visit Macao and Hengqin in tour groups multiple times within seven days. Additionally, the duty-free allowance for luggage brought into the Mainland by Mainland residents traveling from Macao has been increased, and non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao can now apply for Mainland travel permits. The SAR Government aims to use these opportunities to steer Macao’s tourism development towards diversity and sustainability, promoting integration with Hengqin and cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Strategic Plan for the Second Half of 2024
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Deputy Director Ricky Hoi presented the major work plan for the second half of 2024 and provided an overview of Macao’s latest tourism situation.
Events to Draw Global Visitors
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the Macao SAR. MGTO has planned significant events, including the 32nd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, World Tourism Day, and Light Up Macao 2024, to attract visitors worldwide and create a festive atmosphere.
Special Travel Offers and Promotions
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Macao SAR, MGTO launched the “My Treats for You” scheme, offering over 250,000 special travel gifts such as discounts on air tickets, cross-border transportation, hotel accommodations, dining, entertainment, and show tickets. With ten additional Mainland cities joining the IVS, MGTO is preparing for the Macao Week in Xi’an this August, promoting special travel offers and Macao’s diverse tourism offerings through online and offline channels.
Professional Development and Hospitality Initiatives
MGTO continues to provide training opportunities for the travel trade, working with integrated resorts, government entities, and community organizations. About seven training seminars and workshops are planned for the latter half of the year. The Macao Courtesy Campaign will also continue, promoting hospitality among residents and the travel trade to ensure visitors feel welcome.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Tourism
During the meeting, industry members discussed optimizing community facilities, attracting visitors to local communities, and promoting maritime tourism, pre-wedding photography, educational tourism, and in-depth community travel. Secretary Lei Wai Nong encouraged the travel trade to utilize community tourism resources for a more diverse and sustainable future. Government representatives listened to suggestions and engaged in discussions to gather collective wisdom for the industry’s development.
Attendees and Future Directions
The meeting included new members and representatives from various governmental entities, integrated resorts, and the tourism sector. MGTO will continue to collaborate with the travel trade to capitalize on the Central Government’s preferential measures, promoting the integrated tourism and leisure industry and reinforcing Macao’s position as a world center of tourism and leisure.
Through mobilization and collaboration with the travel trade, Macao aims to enhance its tourism industry and strengthen its reputation as an international metropolis.
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