After announcing that eVisas would be reinstated, Macau’s leisure and hospitality sector is set to receive another boost.
Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director of Macau’s Government Tourism Office (MGTO), said between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors per day are expected to arrive starting tomorrow and lasting through 7 October.
National Day is celebrated annually on 1 October and commemorates the formal establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
This kicks off a period known as ‘Golden Week,’ but due to the pandemic and China’s strict crackdown, celebrations have been muted in recent years.
But as the world emerges from Covid-19, Macau is hoping the holiday will give its leisure and hospitality sector a much-needed boost.
Tong said 25,000 daily visitors represents an “optimistic scenario,” but he anticipates that Macau will at least welcome more than 20,000 per day.
However, while this would be an improvement over recent years’ daily arrival numbers, even 25,000 per day would constitute a considerable decrease when compared to pre-pandemic figures, when more than 100,000 visitors would regularly arrive each day.
Meanwhile, a sudden surge in daily arrivals could strain Macau’s Covid-19 health protocols and risk another outbreak. In an effort to prevent this, Macau’s Health Bureau will dispatch additional staff to border checkpoints.
A statement from Macau’s Government Information Bureau (GCS) said inbound travellers must undergo a body temperature check and present a negative Covid test.
Chinese health officials have also warned against travelling between provinces.
