Macao-Hengqin Travel stimulus program now accepting applications from January 1, 2024

Saturday, December 30, 2023

In light of the General Plan for Building a Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, which fosters favorable conditions for Macao’s industry diversification, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin have jointly introduced the “Macao–Hengqin Travel Stimulation Program” (“the Program”). Applications for this initiative will be accepted starting from January 1, 2024. The primary objective of the Program is to encourage tourism operators to craft multi-destination travel plans encompassing both Macao and Hengqin. Initially, the focus is on attracting business travelers through group tours to stimulate tourism development in both locations.

Promotion of Incentive Travel in Macao and Hengqin

The Program’s initial phase targets drawing business travelers to Macao and Hengqin for incentive travel pursuits. Entities eligible to apply as organizers, planners, or designated authorities overseeing incentive travel activities in Macao or Hengqin include legally established enterprises registered for tax purposes within these areas, non-profit organizations in either region, and lawfully recognized entities beyond these borders.

Minimum Participants and Stay Requirements

Beneficiaries engaging in incentive travel activities in Macao or Hengqin must involve a minimum of 40 participants who are not residents of Macao or Hengqin. Participants must stay in Macao for a minimum of two consecutive nights and in Hengqin for at least one night.

Assistance for Business Travelers Exploring Local Communities

The Program offers souvenirs and support items in Macao and Hengqin based on the number of participants. Entities applying for support can choose relevant items aligned with their activities. Support items in Macao include tours of The Historic Centre of Macao, authentic gastronomic experiences, cultural performances, business services, gastronomy workshops, and cultural and creative workshops. In Hengqin, these include ecological tours of Xiaohengqin Mountain, Flower Promenade, Mangzhou Wetland Park, visits to the China Red Sandalwood Museum Hengqin Branch, Guangdong cuisine making, and traditional Chinese skills tours. The Program encourages business travelers to explore local communities to invigorate their economies.

Application Pre-Screening Process

Interested entities must complete and submit the “Pre-screening Application Form” to MGTO or the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The pre-screening process takes five working days from the day the completed application form is received. Once the pre-screening is done, the respective offices will notify the entity applicant of the outcome in writing.

Submission of Information Ahead of Activity Commencement

Entities that successfully pass the pre-screening must submit the “Support Items Application Form,” along with all related documents and activity details, to MGTO and/or the Economic Development Bureau at least 15 working days before the activity’s start. Moreover, they must submit an event report within 10 working days after the event concludes.

Quality Management Supervision Mechanism

A supervisory mechanism will be in place for the Program. Applicants are required to furnish MGTO and the Economic Development Bureau with necessary information about incentive travel activities. Additionally, they must authorize and assist authorities’ staff in inspecting ongoing activities on-site.

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