The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) recently held a promotional seminar about the 'Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme' (QTSAS). The third year that the Scheme has been rolled out in Macao, this time not only will the catering industry be targeted but travel agencies, too, are eligible for application, as part of MGTO's efforts to encourage the local travel trade and related sectors to continuously upgrade service quality. This year, some 45 restaurants have applied for the programme; meanwhile, the Accreditation Scheme for the travel industry will be announced at a later date.

In 2014, MGTO established the QTSAS Assessment Committee for effective management and promotion of QTSAS, as well as review and selection of award winners. In light of the Scheme being open this year for application by travel agencies as well the Assessment Committee will now comprise a 'Food and Beverage Industry Committee' and 'Travel Agency Industry Committee'.

According to licence classification, MGTO has established four categories for the former sector; namely, 'Deluxe Restaurant', 'First Class Restaurant', 'Second Class Restaurant' and 'Food and Beverage Establishments'. Merchants who fulfill the stated criteria will be awarded the 'Star Merchant Award', effective from 2017 to 2019. In addition, merchants who achieve a final score of no less than 85 and are among the highest scoring winners of the 'Star Merchant Award' in the same category will be presented with the 'Service Star Award' as well.

Currently, an encouraging 167 qualified catering businesses have been presented with the 'Star Merchant Award', details of which are listed in the 'Star Merchant Award' - Restaurants and Eateries Guide. The public can obtain printed versions of the guide from MGTO's Tourist Information counters or download its electronic version from MGTO's website: http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/plan/qtsas.php.