The second phase of the “Stay, Dine and See Macau” organised by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) was announced yesterday, and the signup for 19 local tour itineraries including a new round of helicopter rides starts today, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said during a press conference at her office yesterday.
According to a statement provided at the press conference yesterday, the second phase of the “Stay, Dine and See Macau” will run during the summer holidays in July and August for residents to join local themed tours or to opt for a staycation in local hotels. The statement said that Macau residents who have not joined any tours this year are entitled to a one-time subsidy for each in the both categories – local tour and hotel staycation.
The statement noted that every resident is entitled to a maximum 280-pataca subsidy for taking a local tour, as well as a 100-pataca dining card (except for the helicopter ride experience and yacht check-in tour as well as the maritime tours). After the subsidy, the tour fee will range between 28 – 588 patacas, covering sightseeing, the tour guide and insurance fees. The local tours are conducted in Cantonese, Portuguese and English for different residents’ needs.
The statement said that the second phase of the project includes four of the itineraries from the first phase while offering 15 new itineraries. The statement highlighted a few activities, such as touring Macau on an open-top bus, exploring the Coloane Karting Track, ZIPCITY, and GoAirBorne at Lisobeta.
The statement pointed out that the new itineraries are divided into different series, comprising three tours under the “Maritime Tour Series”, five tours under the “Parent and Child-Sports-DIY Series”, five tours under the “Adventure-Fun Series”, while two fall under the “Legendary Figures-Patriotic Series”. The statement added that the four remaining itineraries from the first phase are: Explore Nossa Senhora Village of Ka Ho, VR Experience/ Encounter with Celebrities + Motorcycle Gallery + Portuguese Egg Tart DIY, Explore the History of Macau and Macau Grand Prix, as well as the Helicopter Ride Experience.
Senna Fernandes pointed out that for residents who are interested in joining the helicopter ride experience it will only be available at weekends and public holidays, offering 648 spots this time round. She said residents who wish to join can sign up at registered travel agencies from 10 a.m. today until Sunday at 6 p.m. She added that for those who signed up for the first round of the helicopter ride but were not chosen need not sign up again as the names will automatically transfer to the list in the second round.
She also said that in the first round of “Stay, Dine and See Macau”, 534 bus drivers, 451 local tour guides and 167 travel agencies took part, noting that until Monday 11,314 residents had signed up for the 297 tours. She also said that in terms of staycations, 8,343 hotel packages were sold, involving 21,029 guests.
She pointed out that the entire “Stay, Dine and See Macau” budget stands at 120 million patacas, adding that in the first phase of the project the government has already subsidised 4.8 million patacas. She said that since the second round is happening during the summer holiday, she hoped that around 100,000 residents will take part.
Macau Government Tourism Office Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes poses during yesterday’s press conference at the MGTO headquarters. Photos: MGTO
This poster promotes the second phase of “Stay, Dine and See Macau”
