A local tour project entitled “Macao Ready Go! Local Tours” is officially launched on 17 June. Macao residents can sign up for local tours scheduled between 22 June and 30 September at the outlets of all travel agencies under the umbrella of the project. Each participant will be subsidized 280 patacas per tour participation, and is entitled to a maximal subsidy of 560 patacas granted by the project. 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.
The project “Macao Ready Go! Local Tours” is coordinated by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), sponsored by the Macao Foundation, and undertaken by a Task Force formed by Macau Travel Agency Association, Association of Macao Tourist Agents and Travel Industry Council of Macau. The Task Force takes charge of project management as well as procurement, product development, pricing and quality management, among other tasks. During implementation of the project, the Task Force coordinates with various travel agencies for their provision of resources such as coaches, drivers and tour guides, as well as arrangements for catering and tourist attractions, etc.
At present, the project “Macao Ready Go! Local Tours” covers a total of 15 itineraries in two categories, namely “Community-based Tours” (six itineraries) and “Leisure Tours” (nine itineraries). The tour fees cover sightseeing, catering, tour guide service, insurance and so forth. The project is tailored to provide residents with economical travel plans and opportunities to get familiarized with the latest development of the local communities and tourism products.
To support small and medium-sized enterprises in Macao, holders of Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card or Macao SAR Non-Permanent Resident Identity Card can opt for either “Community-based Tours” or “Leisure Tours” upon their first participation. For second participation, they are to choose tour itineraries under the other category. For each of the first and second tours joined, each participant will be subsidized 280 patacas. After completion of both tours, residents can still join other tours under either category at full price at their own expense. In addition, to cater for participants with special needs, community organizations, schools and other institutions are welcome to contact the Task Force for coordination of tour application. For enquiry and application, please contact travel agencies under the umbrella of the project “Macao Ready Go! Local Tours” via email: info@lovemacau.org.
MGTO has established a specific monitoring mechanism to ensure appropriate use of public funds and prevent irregularities. The Office will collect relevant data about this project to assess its effectiveness, which will serve as reference for formulation of tourism promotional strategies and tour route design in the future.
