MGTO and Tourism Industry Co-ordinate to Tackle Typhoon Tasks
Tourist Information counters operational as usual
MGTO and the travel trade reached consensus to resume tour group arrangements from 2nd September
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is making unremitting efforts to co-ordinate and handle various tasks in the wake of Typhoon Hato in the hope of minimizing its impact upon visitors, and held urgent meetings with representatives of the tourism industry to help restore the city from the catastrophe.
After the typhoon, MGTO reopened its Tourist Information counters at the Ritz Building, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Border Gate, Macau International Airport and Taipa Ferry Terminal to attend to visitors. Meanwhile, MGTO approached hotel properties to gather information on their situation, including their status of water and power supply as well as scrutinising room prices. MGTO also assigned inspectors to patrol different ports of entry in Macao for prompt awareness of the latest situation.
Tour groups suspended for over one week
On 25th August - with visitors urged to carefully reconsider their planned upcoming trips to Macao - urgent meetings were conducted with representatives of travel agency associations and hotel industry respectively, requesting travel agencies to suspend tour groups to Macao until 30th August. The request was made so that more resources could be allocated to the top priority of helping the city recover from the catastrophe. MGTO contacted China National Tourism Administration and its counterparts in Shenzhen and Hong Kong to co-ordinate corresponding arrangements for tour groups from the Mainland.
On 29th August, MGTO conducted another meeting with representatives of travel agency and hotel industry associations for an exchange of opinions and an update on their latest situation.
Considering the conditions of roads around the city, conditions for hospitality and image of the city, as well as the factor of moderate visitor arrivals after the summer holiday, after throughout discussions and comprehensive evaluation MGTO and the travel trade reached the consensus to resume arrangements of tour groups to Macao starting 2nd September, in the hope that more time will be given for the city's recovery, while members of the trade can take the chance to restore both their facilities and services.
Cancellation of 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest
In the aftermath of the Typhoon Hato, the entire city is committed to various tasks for restoration and recovery from the catastrophe. On the other hand, the related infrastructures and facilities required for fireworks displays have suffered damages, while different departments and entities supporting the fireworks event are now dedicated to tackling the aftermath. Considering such circumstances and various factors, MGTO announced on 26th August the cancellation of the 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest.
In addition, the Fireworks Carnival, Trophy Design Contest, Photo Contest and Student Drawing Contest of the 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest are cancelled in accord.