The Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Chui Sai On, disclosed various initiatives in the Policy Address for Fiscal Year 2017 - entitled 'Development Plan in Progress for Building a Perfect Home' - on 15^th November. Proposals include 'multi-industry linkage and complementarity, to build a large tourism and leisure industry' plus continuing to forge ahead in developing Macao's strategic roles as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and promoting increased synergy between gaming and non-gaming elements.

The CE also said that regarding tourism the government would place greater emphasis upon promoting the development of budget hotels, theme parks with distinctive features, and integrated shopping malls. The government expects to complete the formulation of the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan within the next year, launching a visitor statistics databank and striving to complete the design of the fourth Macao-Taipa cross-harbour bridge in addition to commencing construction on the bridge as well as the commencing the operation of Taipa Ferry Terminal in the first half of 2017. Furthermore, in line with the development needs of the tourism industry, the Public Security Police Force will arrange for Tourist Police to patrol in certain major attractions located in Taipa and Coloane, as well as setting up mobile report rooms in major tourist attractions, thus offering greater convenience to visitors.

In addition, the government will forge ahead with the goal of developing diversified tourism and iconic tourism products, including the reconstruction of the Macao Grand Prix Museum and preparation of the relocation of the Wine Museum, as well as supporting the industry to develop marine sightseeing tourism products.

The government is now preparing its application to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy, while organizing an International Gastronomy Forum and boosting the sustainable development of the local gastronomy and cultural industries. The government will continue to strengthen tourism co-operation between Guangdong and Macao, while developing more multi-destination tours with Fujian and other provinces through the important platform of the 'China Maritime Silk Road Tourism Promotion Alliance' in order to tap into medium and long haul markets.

With regard to the gaming industry, it will support greater co-operation between gaming operators and local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including restaurants with unique characteristics and companies in the cultural and creative industries. To support the advancement of central policy, the government will introduce further initiatives to create a role for local SMEs vis-a-vis enhancing tourism facilities.

In the year ahead, the government will devote more effort to supporting local MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) enterprises regarding international bids in order to help them attract a greater number of influential international conventions and exhibitions to Macao. The government will also facilitate the development of online and e-commerce, consider setting up an 'Online Certified Shops' system, and encourage the further participation of original local brands - plus generators of cultural and creative products - at international exhibitions and trade fairs.

The full Policy Address for Fiscal Year 2017 and summary pamphlets in Chinese and Portuguese are available at the following locations: Government Head Office Auxiliary Bureau; Government Information Bureau; Government Printing Bureau; Public Information Centre; headquarters of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; Macao Central Library; and from the offices of Macao Post. The materials are also available for download from: Government Portal of the Macao SAR (www.gov.mo); Chief Executive's Office (www.gce.gov.mo); Legislative Assembly (www.al.gov.mo); and Government Information Bureau (www.gcs.gov.mo).