Macau: local tourism project begins

Over 3,100 people sign up in the first day to experience local attractions and hospitality in the city.

Macau.- The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has begun to receive applications for its local tourism project “Macao Ready Go!”

As a way to encourage residents to enjoy local attractions, temples and hospitality activities usually aimed at tourists, the city’s authorities are offering participants a subsidy of 280 patacas per tour, with a maximum subsidy of 560 patacas.

The project’s goal is to activate the local hospitality industry, which continues to be severely hit by the Covid-19 lockdown and travel restrictions, by subsidising local tourism. It includes visits to IRs.

MGTO said in a recent press release: “The Macao Special Administrative Region Government hopes that the project “Macao Ready Go! Local Tours” can lead to progressive resumption of tourism activities in Macao in parallel with the city’s scheme for economic recovery.”

Residents have a choice of 15 itineraries in two categories: community based-tours and leisure tours. The latter mainly visit local integrated resorts (IR), although tours take place in non-gambling areas. Wynn palace, MGM Cotai, SJM’s Grand Lisboa and Sand’s China Venetian Macao complex all feature on itineraries.

In only one day 3,135 Macau residents signed up to take part with 60 per cent opting for leisure tours.