Covid-19 vaccine passports could speed up Macau tourism recovery

China has unveiled an international Covid-19 vaccine health passport that will exempt travellers from certain restrictions.

Macau.- China has announced it is ready to introduce Covid-19 Vaccine Passports in both digital and paper formats.

The head of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said she believed such a “vaccine passport is going to be a major trend in future.”

She added that it could “give everyone confidence and revive tourism.”

Francis Lui Yiu Tung, vice chairman of Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group also said a Covid-19 vaccine passport could have a positive impact on the outlook for the Macau tourism market in the second half of the year.

Macau has been benefited from an easing of travel restrictions in mainland China despite lower than expected visitor numbers during Chinese New Year.

According to the MGTO, visitor arrivals in Macau recovered to over 26,000 per day last weekend. China remains the only country to have a largely quarantine-free travel bubble with Macau,

Macau’s vaccination plan advances

The Macau government has said that 177,000 non-resident workers can now register to receive Covid-19 vaccination under the city’s vaccination program.

Wynn Macau has offered two special vacation days to staff members who receive both shots of the Covid-19 vaccination.

So far, only 22,000 people have been vaccinated in Macau, although the number is expected to begin to increase more quickly.