The Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme (QTSAS) is being rolled out in Macao for the third year, with Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) now opening up the Scheme to travel agencies, as well, for the first time. Travel agents may submit their applications up to 18^th May in support of the Office's mission to encourage sustained improvements in service quality in the travel trade and related sectors.

Any MGTO-licensed travel agency's head office which has operated its business in Macao for two years or more is eligible for participation in QTSAS in 2016. The allotted quota for the sector is 30, and interested parties can submit their application to the Training and Quality Management Department of MGTO from 18^th April to 18^th May. Application form and details available by browsing the Macao Tourism Industry Net: http://industry.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/page/content.php?page_id=238.

Participating travel agencies are required to undergo three types of assessment; namely, 'Mystery Shopper Assessment', 'Service Management System Audit' and 'Traveller Satisfaction Survey'. Merchants whose overall assessment results meet the prescribed standard will be granted a 'Star Merchant Award' accreditation certificate valid for 2017 and 2018 for display on their premises.

In addition, to commend travel agencies providing high-quality service in Macao and beyond for their patrons, MGTO will confer the 'Service Star Award - Inbound Service' and 'Service Star Award - Outbound Service' to 'Star Merchant Award' accredited merchants meeting the prescribed standard with the highest total score for 'Inbound Service' and 'Outbound Service,' respectively. By signing up to QTSAS, travel agencies can take the opportunity to self-evaluate their service based upon the assessment criteria and apply the given guidelines to their business operation for the steady improvements of their service.

In the days ahead, MGTO will study the feasibility of widening the scope of QTSAS in the hope of progressively extending accreditation to other tourism-related sectors in line with the MSAR Government's goal of transforming the city into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.