MANILA, Philippines - The Macau SAR Government is allocating MOP$126.4 million (approximately P758.4 million) under an expanded tourism plan designed to strengthen the growth of leisure and business tourism and the aviation industry.
Launched as part of Macau’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the “Plan to Support Macau Tourism Industry” has been extended from Dec. 31, 2009 to March 31,
A total budget of MOP$21.83 million (approximately P131 million) has been allocated to support business tourism initiatives, according to the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO).
To reinforce Macau’s competitive edge as a major destination for the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market, the MGTO introduced the “Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Program” in May 2009.
Since its inception, the program has supported 31 meetings and conventions, 19 exhibitions and 26 incentive travel events with a budget of MOP$18.6 million (approximately P111.6 million).
The MICE market program also spent a total of MOP$32.6 million (approximately P195.6 million) to support 98 events. There are currently 22 applications for events between 2010 and 2012, with a budget reaching MOP10.4 million.
Key projects under the leisure tourism program are “Celebrate Macau Tours” and the World Heritage “Historic Center of Macau” free guiding service.
The Macau tourism plan also supports the marketing activities of airlines and trainings organized by travel trade associations to enhance the service quality of the industry.