Spanning 1^st to 7^th October, China's National Day Golden Week will feature a range of measures by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) designed to actively prepare for the peak holiday period. Initiatives will include alerting industry partners and visitors to things to be aware of, inter-departmental information sharing, the publication of a comprehensive food guide, the staging of activities in different districts to disperse crowds and introduce more diverse attractions, and the setting up of tourist stations to answer visitors' queries. Through a series of measures, MGTO will cater to the needs of local residents and visitors by optimising the quality and environment of tourism services available throughout the Peninsula and islands of Macau.

MGTO has distributed letters specifically suggesting local travel agency associations communicate with and advise tour operators adjust their tour group schedules for major attractions. In order to safeguard visitor rights and maintain tourism quality, MGTO has also requested travel trade operators to increase their awareness, while reminding hotels and catering establishments to clearly declare rack rates and price lists. Hotels have also been asked to keep a record of hotel guest information upon check-in, and been reminded of hotel swimming pool management guidelines, and so forth.

In addition, MGTO is regularly communicating and exchanging information with other governmental entities such as the Consumer Council, Public Security Police Force, Macau Customs Service, Marine and Water Bureau and the Transport Bureau. Using the 'Real-Time Information Platform of Border Ports' operated by the Public Security Police Force, visitors can check real-time border-crossing images at the arrival & departure halls and traffic lanes of the Border Gate, Outer Harbour and Cotai Frontier Post by visiting: www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/pspmonitor on phone or computer. Visitors can thus select a suitable time to arrive in or depart Macau more conveniently.

In addition, MGTO's website at www.macautourism.gov.mo offers a variety of information for tourists, including the room prices of hotels and inns, the 'Star Merchant Award' - Restaurants and Eateries Guide, 'Macau Food Guide for 1^st October Vacation', and the 'Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities Walking Tour Routes' , all of which can be viewed on MGTO's WeChat account.

During the National Day holidays, there will be a range of activities in Macau, which residents and visitors can conveniently check out on MGTO's 'What's On, Macau' Mobile App, or in hard-copy format from various distribution points around the city such as hotels, providing information about the latest tourist attractions, events, festivals, performances, exhibitions and activities. Smartphone users can download the App to check out Macau's many splendid events offline in English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese. The App is available for download from App Store or Google Play, while visitors can also download 'Step out, Macau' Mobile App or 'Experience Macau' Mobile App to glean more travel information about Macau.

MGTO will conduct more scrupulous inspections at various tourist attractions, ports and districts in Macau whilst increasing manpower at its Tourist Information counters. The MGTO Tourism Hotline on (853) 2833 3000 will maintain its 24-hour operator service as usual, with MGTO inspectors on stand-by around the clock.

Happy holidays!