The relaxation of the COVID-19 nucleic acid test validity period is “great news for the hotel industry” and for those in Macau depending on tourism, Artyzen Hospitality Group Area Vice President-Macau Operations Rutger Verschuren told reporters yesterday.
Verschuren made the remarks during the ribbon cutting ceremony of Amagao Gallery’s new art exhibition “Lusografia”, which runs until September 4, at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau yesterday evening.
Although the increase in the percentage of hotel bookings has not been instant, Verschuren noted that “we shall see quite a rapid pickup moving a bit forward”, while a “slow pickup better than before” was expected for the upcoming weeks. He added that he thinks it needs some more encouragement as well as for people in the mainland to be more aware of it [the NAT validity relaxation] to allow for a real pickup.
Moreover, he noted that June is traditionally a “weak month for tourism”, but that the NAT test validity period “definitely is a positive sign” and is a good start to “look at a more positive summer ahead of us”. Verschuren pointed out that Artyzen is upbeat that August should be a positive month while also “looking at better days for Macau”.
When reporters asked what measures he would like to see launched or relaxed, Verschuren replied that the current direction was the way to go. He also pointed out “glimpses of hope” concerning travel restrictions, other considerations reducing the quarantine period and blue card holders being able to travel and come back again.
However, he acknowledged that there are also concerns to consider as there are also risks of a COVID-19 outbreak happening in the city once more tourists start coming across the border. Verschuren, therefore, urged the government and the people of Macau to be careful and to “make sure to do all we can to prevent an outbreak”.
Artyzen Hospitality Group Area Vice President-Macau Operations Rutger Verschuren speaks with reporters after yesterday’s ribbon cutting ceremony of Amagao Gallery’s new art exhibition “Lusografia” at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau yesterday evening. Photo: Rui Pastorin
