MGTO Leads Tourism Recovery In Macao After Typhoon With Swift And Supported Restart

Published on October 5, 2025

Following the recent passage of Typhoon Matmo, the Macao tourism sector has embarked on a determined recovery process under the dedicated coordination of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). The office is at the forefront of ensuring the resumption of tourism operations across the region, aiming to uphold service quality and visitor confidence. Emphasizing both the safety and convenience of visitors and residents alike, MGTO’s proactive approach has been vital in facilitating a steady return to normalcy.

Immediate Inspections of Tourism Facilities

In the aftermath of the typhoon, MGTO swiftly deployed personnel to inspect key tourism-related establishments, primarily focusing on hotel properties. This rapid response was essential to assess any damage and to confirm operational readiness. The inspections extended beyond accommodations to include ports of entry and major tourist attractions, ensuring all critical points were monitored for safe reopening.

This systematic checking helped establish clear updates on the status of tourism services and provided foundational knowledge necessary for a coordinated reopening. By conducting these inspections promptly, MGTO set a strong pace for reactivating the local tourism economy while guaranteeing visitors receive reliable and uninterrupted service.

Comprehensive Communication to Visitors and Residents

MGTO undertook extensive communication measures to keep everyone informed during this transitional period. Real-time typhoon information was disseminated through telecommunication companies, targeting both visitors currently in Macao and residents located elsewhere. This proactive sharing of weather updates allowed affected individuals to plan accordingly and stay safe.

Additionally, MGTO prioritized keeping its digital channels up to date. The latest typhoon news and operational statuses were consistently synchronized and reposted across the organization’s official websites and social media platforms. This multi-channel approach ensured wide accessibility to accurate information, which played a critical role in minimizing uncertainty and confusion.

Reopening of Tourist Service Points and Attractions

Tourist information counters operated by MGTO resumed service progressively following the storm, marking an important step in the sector’s recovery. These counters form an essential interface where visitors can access support, guidance, and local information, so their reopening is significant for rebuilding visitor confidence.

Moreover, well-known attractions such as the Macao Grand Prix Museum and the exhibition hall in the Ritz Building reopened to the public. These cultural and entertainment sites contribute heavily to Macao’s tourism appeal, and their availability signals a return to vibrant visitor activities and engagement.

Support for Tourism Industry Training and Workforce

Understanding that industry training activities play a crucial role in maintaining service standards, MGTO coordinated closely with relevant training entities to address disruptions caused by the typhoon. Efforts were made to reschedule and rearrange programs to minimize negative impacts on skill development and workforce preparedness.

This attention to human resources reflects the commitment to long-term quality in the hospitality and tourism sector, ensuring that staff remain capable and motivated as operations fully resume.

24-Hour Tourism Hotline Service

To provide continuous assistance and maintain open lines of communication, MGTO upheld a 24-hour operator service through its dedicated Tourism Hotline. This hotline handled a range of inquiries, complaints, and suggestions related to the typhoon’s effects, including transport arrangements, ferry cancellations, border-crossing procedures, and hotel booking disputes.

The round-the-clock availability of this service demonstrates MGTO’s dedication to addressing concerns promptly and supporting all stakeholders during this recovery phase, helping to resolve issues that could otherwise hinder a seamless tourism experience.

Ongoing Collaboration with Tourism Operators

MGTO continues to engage closely with local tourism operators to gather feedback and improve contingency plans. This dynamic cooperation aims to optimize response measures for future adverse weather events, ensuring the tourism sector becomes increasingly resilient.

By maintaining an open channel for industry opinions, MGTO not only addresses immediate challenges but also invests in proactive risk management. This strategy supports the sustainable growth of Macao’s tourism, reinforcing the destination’s reputation as a reliable and visitor-friendly location.

Conclusion

Thanks to the comprehensive efforts of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao’s tourism sector is steadily overcoming the challenges posed by Typhoon Matmo through a multi-faceted and coordinated recovery strategy. Following the storm, immediate inspections were conducted across hotels, ports of entry, and tourist attractions to assess any damage and facilitate a safe and efficient reopening. These inspections provided critical updates that allowed tourism services to resume progressively, including the reopening of vital tourist information counters and popular sites like the Macao Grand Prix Museum and the Ritz Building exhibition hall.

Alongside the physical reopening, MGTO ensured robust communication by distributing timely typhoon information to visitors and residents via telecommunication channels and maintaining up-to-date news on official digital platforms, thereby keeping the public well informed and reassured. The tourism hotline operated continuously, swiftly addressing inquiries about transport disruptions, ferry cancellations, border-crossing issues, and hotel booking concerns. Meanwhile, MGTO collaborated closely with industry training organizations to mitigate disruptions to professional development caused by the typhoon, making necessary adjustments to training schedules. Furthermore, ongoing dialogue with tourism operators has enabled MGTO to continuously collect feedback and optimize contingency plans, equipping the sector to better handle future adverse weather events.