The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Government would take measures to promote the diversification of Macao’s tourism industry, in accordance with the Central Government’s policy and support.

In response to media inquiries on the Facilitated Individual Travel scheme, Mr Chui said Macao’s tourism industry would continue to diversify in accordance with the Central Government’s policy and support.

The Government had planned to promote diversification of the industry by introducing measures to support tourism related sectors such as retail and convention, and to highlight tourism resources such as cultural heritage.

He said that he was confident in the continued development of the industry, adding that tourist arrivals in the first eight months of this year had increased compared to last year.

Though Macao could not avoid the impact of the global economic downturn, the Government would evaluate the situation and make plans accordingly, he said.