Keeping abreast with the latest pertinent guidelines adjusted by Health Bureau, the “Stay, Dine and See Macao” project resumed operation of local tours from today (18 September). On the first day of resumption, about 230 participants in ten groups set off for local tours. The resumption of local tours coincides with the launch of 13 adjusted itineraries in September for the third phase, welcoming all to experience the unique local color of the destination again.

On the first day of resumption, participants enjoyed local tours teeming with different highlights such as visit to Cotai District, enjoying the music fountain show, visit to the Macao Tower and buffet dinner on maritime tour. The helicopter tours which were scheduled in July – August but cancelled due to the pandemic also set off progressively again under rearrangement, including those which were conducted today.

The project has started welcoming signups for local tours again since 14 September. On the first four days (14 – 17 September), 3,011 individuals in total signed up for local tours. Among all, the itinerary “Experience Macao by sea, land and air” is most popular among Macao residents.

Addition of daily-run itineraries after resumption

Due to the earlier pandemic situation, the “Stay, Dine and See Macao” project suspended operation of local tours from 4 August until 17 September. In response to residents’ anticipation, as well as to sustain the livelihood of personnel of tourism-related sectors and foster greater revival of the tourism and related industries, the project now runs local tours not only on weekends and public holidays, but also offers daily tours along certain itineraries in accord with the plan. Upon arrival at the assembly points, all local tour participants are required to wear masks, undergo temperature checks in order and present their green Macao Health Code, as part of the required procedure.

“Stay, Dine and See Macao” project grants subsidies for residents until end of 2021

Started since 25 April, the local tours under the “Stay, Dine and see Macao” project will run until 31 December. From 15 April until 17 September, a total of 41,267 individuals signed up for local tours and 24,426 participants went on the tours.

The hotel staycation experience under the project will last from 23 April until 31 December, available from Monday to Sunday as well as on public holidays. Since the first day of signup (15 April) until 17 September, 24,283 hotel packages were sold, involving 48,566 overnight hotel guests.

Every permanent or non-permanent Macao SAR resident is entitled to a one-time subsidy for each of both categories – local tour and hotel staycation under the “Stay, Dine and See Macao” project. Visitors to Macao are also welcome to join the tours at full price.

MGTO will continue to pay close attention to the latest situation of the COVID-19 pandemic while making prompt and appropriate arrangements for all the activities in accord with the pertinent guidelines issued by Health Bureau. In case of adverse weather, applicants are advised to stay tuned to the latest activity arrangements.

For details about enrollment for local tours and hotel staycation experience under the project as well as information about various travel agencies concerned, please visit the website: https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/article/subsidies/macao-tour-hotel. The six information counters are set up at the following locations: Grande Praça of MGM Macau, Business Center of Wynn Palace, Lobby of Studio City, Lobby of Grand Lisboa, ground floor (near Tastes of Asia) of Galaxy Macau and West Lobby of The Venetian Macao. The opening hours are 10:00 — 13:00 and 14:00 — 19:00 daily. For other enquiries, please dial 8396 3052/2838 9153 between 9:00 and 19:00 daily.

Steady rise in visitor arrivals last week

Over the past week (10 – 16 September), visitor arrivals to Macao kept rising to reach the cumulative total of 201,891. The average daily volume of visitors was 28,842, which climbed up by 19.9% compared with average daily visitor arrivals (24,050) of the previous week (3 – 9 September) and surged even by 118.5% compared with that of August.

In terms of local hotel occupancy, the average hotel occupancy rate between 10 – 16 September reached 51.6%, a rise of 5.4 percentage points compared with that (46.2%) of the previous week (3 – 9 September) and a considerable increase of 26.5 percentage points compared with that of August.