Macau considers extending tourism incentives to rest of Asia

Macau may extend its incentive scheme for mainland Chinese tourists to other countries.

Macau.- Chief executive Ho Iat Seng has said that the government may extend the tourism incentive scheme currently open to mainland Chinese residents to the rest of Southeast Asia if the Covid-19 situation in the region improves. 

Macau currently offers consumption vouchers to tourists from mainland China to boost visitation, a measure it says has had some effect.

Ho Iat Seng told local media that the voucher had generated “a leverage ratio of 21.82 times.”

The University of Macau forecast that Macau could see economic growth of up to 33.5 per cent in 2021 if tourist arrivals continue to increase.

In March, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said the easing of travel restrictions in mainland China had benefited Macau. The city received 90,491 visitors from China in the first week of April.

Macau government launches subsidised staycations for local residents

As part of its “Stay, Dine and See Macao” initiative, the MGTO has announced that Macau residents can now sign up to book a government-subsidised staycation at more than 70 hotels and guest houses.

The plan grants Macau residents a MOP200 (US$25) subsidy to stay at one of the hotels.

Macau’s gross gambling revenue reached a daily average of US$36.2m during the second week of April, up 16 per cent from the previous week.