Macau Golden Week tourism surge - MACAU DAILY TIMES

Macau prepares for tourism boom during May Day holiday with record numbers expected, increased hotel bookings, and enhanced hygiene measures.

Macau is preparing for a massive influx of tourists during the upcoming May Day Labor Day Golden Week holiday. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is anticipating an average of 130,000 inbound tourists per day during this period. Hotel booking rates have already hit 60-70%, and are expected to climb even higher, reaching 80-90% occupancy in the days leading up to the holiday.

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has forecasted that China's border ports will see a daily average of 1.76 million inbound and outbound trips during the upcoming May Day holiday, marking a 40.5% increase compared to the previous year. International airports in China will experience a steady rise in border arrivals and departures during the five-day holiday starting May 1.

Land ports connecting the Chinese mainland with Hong Kong and Macau will also see a significant uptick in entry-exit trips. Gongbei Port in Zhuhai and Luohu Port in Shenzhen are expected to handle a daily average of 320,000 and 194,000 entry-exit trips respectively, according to Xinhua.

Despite the anticipated surge in visitors, popular attractions like the Macao Grand Prix Museum will maintain their regular operating hours to accommodate guests. To handle the expected increase in visitors, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has implemented advanced environmental hygiene measures. IAM will intensify the cleaning of public streets and toilets, increase inspection and supervision, and install over 200 signs to guide the public to nearby facilities.

Inspections will be heightened to ensure that garbage areas, toilets, and streets are free of any issues. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes mentioned that travel agencies and tour guides will continue to bring in foreign language guides to assist visitors. She also highlighted that a bill to regulate travel agencies will be discussed in the Legislative Assembly's subcommittee.