To further diversify Macau’s source market profile by tapping the student excursion market, Macau Government Tourist Office launches the “Student Excursion Incentive Scheme” today (October 19) to encourage students and educational institutions to choose Macau as the destination for student excursions and attract more students to visit Macau and experience its cultural appeals.

The group applying for the “Student Excursion Incentive Scheme” should have a minimum of 50 non-local students staying in Macau’s hotels for 2 consecutive nights. The scheme will provide support to their related activities in Macau, offering tourist information kits and facilitate in liaison with other relevant Macau SAR Government entities and schools/colleges/universities.

To be qualified for this incentive scheme, the organizers/schools/colleges/universities and/or excursion/event must meet the following requirements: a) all requests must go through a pre-qualification process to be eligible for the scheme; b) excursions/events must use services provided by local venue or entities that are registered in Macau with at least 50% of which shareholding or controlling interest is owned by Macau residents (except convention & exhibition venues, hotels and travel agencies); c) events should show proof of booking by means of signed documentation and deposit. Details of the incentive scheme and application are available at MGTO’s website http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo

Student tourism is a sector of great potential. According to the WYSE Travel Confederation, the youth and student travel market represents one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry in the world, accounting for 20% of all international arrivals in 2010. MGTO aims to attract more students from around the world to visit Macau, to appreciate its world heritage, to experience its rich traditions and culture, and promote Macau to their families and friends at home as Macau’s tourism ambassador.