Currently, Macau is spending more than MOP280m ($35.1m) on a program named “Macao Ready Go! Local Tours” which is aimed at local travel.
The program started on 22 June and is set to continue until 30 September. This involves the Government subsidising a scheme for local authorities to allow residents to go on local tours.
So far, more than 70,000 locals have enrolled for the tours.
The city’s hotel operators were running their own campaigns, but it did not have as much success. The average occupancy rate for Macau’s 3-5 star hotels was close to 26% since the start of the year through May
For May, in particular, the rate was only 9%. The drop in numbers is due to the COVID-19 pandemic since Macau’s free travel is still restricted.
Director of MGTO Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes stated “the occupancy rate [of Macau hotels] so far has not seen any apparent signs of rebound, and it is still standing at a low level”.
She added that talks are about creating more promotions for Macau’s residents.
Currently, it’s unknown if the new initiative would mean Government subsidies to hoteliers or consumers. Hotels in Macau have more than 40,000 guest rooms available and some adjustments to “Macao Ready Go! Local Tours” are still being considered.
