Macao and Hengqin Partner to Promote Multi-Destination Tourism in Greater Bay Area, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 16, 2025

Macao and Hengqin also took a step in the right direction to develop its tourism when it invited delegates of the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) to Macao for a familiarization visit that lasted for five days. This move was also seen within Macao’s efforts to develop it into one of the best destinations for tourists from Indonesia, among those that inhabit South East Asia. Such an activity was initiated after Macao rolled out its 240-hour visa-free transit arrangement for travelers who intend to travel to China through its approved entry ports, among them being Hengqin, in November of 2025.

Strengthening Bilateral Tourism Ties: A Focus on Multi-Destination Travel

Macao and Hengqin, two pivotal tourism hubs in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, are increasingly promoting themselves as twin-destination locales for international tourists. The recent collaboration between the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone aims to leverage the convenience of the visa-free policy and offer a seamless travel experience for visitors.

The trip for Indonesian travel agents included visits to major attractions in both Macao and Hengqin. This effort is part of Macao’s broader strategy to attract more tourists from Indonesia, which is already a growing market for the region. In the first ten months of 2025, Macao welcomed over 163,000 visitors from Indonesia, a 15.5% increase from the previous year, and this familiarization trip seeks to further drive that momentum.

Exploring Macao’s “Tourism +” Appeal

The delegates arrived in Macao on Air Macau, beginning their trip by experiencing the city’s diverse tourism offerings. With a focus on Macao’s “Tourism +” concept, which integrates various aspects of local culture, heritage, and entertainment, the visitors explored multiple attractions including the Historic Centre of Macao, the Macao Grand Prix Museum, and MinMPlaza. They also had the opportunity to enjoy Macao’s cutting-edge light installations as part of the “Light Up Macao 2025” exhibition and the impressive “Macau 2049” show that blends cultural heritage with modern technology.

Visitors also engaged in hands-on experiences, such as Portuguese egg tart baking and sampling a variety of local delicacies, including Halal food options, Chinese hotpot, and Macanese cuisine. These experiences emphasized the city’s diverse culinary offerings and helped showcase Macao’s rich cultural identity as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

The Impact of the 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy

A major highlight of the trip was the opportunity to explore the benefits of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows citizens of 55 countries, including Indonesia, to visit China via designated ports such as Hengqin Port without requiring a visa for up to 10 days. This policy has significantly simplified travel between Macao, Hengqin, and the broader Greater Bay Area, and has provided an additional layer of convenience for tourists seeking to explore multiple destinations in the region.

The Indonesian delegation crossed from Macao to Hengqin Port to experience firsthand the ease of this visa-free system. This simplified process has made the region more accessible to international travelers, reducing potential barriers to entry and promoting multi-destination tourism. In Hengqin, the visitors explored a variety of attractions, including Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Chimelong Spaceship at Chimelong Resort, and several cultural and leisure facilities such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Museum and Sumlodol Camping Town. These experiences offered a taste of what Hengqin has to offer, further solidifying its appeal as an exciting, multi-faceted tourist destination.

Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Expanding Tourism Opportunities

The familiarization trip was not only aimed at showcasing the region’s attractions but also at strengthening ties between Macao and Hengqin as key partners in regional tourism development. Jelena Kezika, Vice President of Strategy at GHA (Global Hotel Alliance), highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting that expanding the reach of tourism between Macao and Hengqin will provide a more seamless and enriching experience for visitors.

In addition to the tourism-focused initiatives, the partnership also includes specialized services such as B2B upskilling programs and training for local businesses to enhance the tourism experience. This will help boost the overall quality of service for tourists and ensure that Macao and Hengqin can continue to offer world-class experiences as their tourism sectors grow.

The Future of Tourism in the Greater Bay Area

The collaboration between Macao and Hengqin aligns with China’s Greater Bay Area initiative, which aims to develop the region into a global tourism and economic hub. By promoting cross-border tourism and providing easy access for international visitors, both regions are positioning themselves as leaders in Asia’s growing tourism market.

As both Macao and Hengqin continue to invest in tourism infrastructure and services, their roles as dual destinations will become increasingly significant. The introduction of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has already proven to be a game-changer, making it easier for travelers from countries like Indonesia to explore the region. This, combined with the cultural, entertainment, and leisure offerings in both destinations, makes the Greater Bay Area a compelling option for tourists seeking diverse and seamless travel experiences.

A New Era of Tourism Collaboration

The Indonesian travel trade mission visit to Macao and Hengqin is a major step ahead in developing collaboration in the field of tourism between these two regions. By leveraging the visa-free transit system, Macao and Hengqin are positioning themselves as exciting, accessible, and attractive destinations for visitors across the globe. This move not only leads to development in the field of tourism but also contributes to economic growth in Macao and Hengqin, keeping them at the top of the Asian tourism map.