THE Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has implemented the new year-long Travel Stimulation Programme from July 1 to boost the development of business tourism in the destination.
Unveiled at the Guangdong & Macau Sales Mission and Destination Presentation, a trade event organised by MGTO in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, the programme provides non-monetary support to organisers of incentives, teambuilding activities or award dinners who have a minimum of 25 non-Macau participants staying at least of two consecutive nights.
Basic support includes free admission to the Wine Museum and Grand Prix Museum, and facilitation in liaison with other relevant Macau SAR Government entities.
Organisers and their delegates can also benefit from complimentary tourist information kit and souvenirs.
In addition, incentive groups of at least 40 non-Macau participants will be eligible for a cultural performance, while those with at least 101 non-Macau participants will be offered for a half-day history tour.
Elisa Ng, director & deputy general manager of Macau-based Top Holidays-P & E International Travel, told TTGmice e-Weekly that the new programme is “very encouraging for organisers as it rewards even small groups”.
She pointed out that the previous programme which ended in June, required organisers to achieve a minimum of 50 people.
Antony E Box, regional director of sales Hong Kong and new markets development with Artyzen Hospitality Group, said: “The incentives offered will motivate foreign MICE organisers to consider Macau. Hotels have become more affordable now, after a period of price adjustments since 4Q2014.”
Rocky Kho, managing director of Skyzone Tours & Travel in Kuala Lumpur, said: “The adjustments in hotel pricing has made the destination more attractive this year and the new travel stimulation programme is an added incentive for Malaysian planners to consider Macau which is usually perceived to be on the (pricey) side.”
