The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) said in a statement on Friday that it had busted a total of four suspected unlicensed tour guides in the Barrier Gate area from March 1-15, and warned that offenders illegally engaging in tour guide work in Macau could be fined from 20,000 to 30,000 patacas.
According to the statement, the four suspects are from the mainland, and they have been handed over to the Public Security Police (PSP) and the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) for further investigation.
The statement said that all Macau tour guides must wear a valid tour guide badge while working, so that inspectors can easily identify them.
Since the full resumption of tourism between Macau, Hong Kong and the mainland, the number of visitors has increased, the statement noted, adding that MGTO will continue to carry out random inspections, along with the Public Security Police and Labour Affairs Bureau, to ensure the orderly operation of the tourism industry, protect the rights and interests of tourists, and uphold Macau’s good image as a tourist city.
The statement underlined that over 1,700 people in Macau hold valid tour guide licences.
MGTO said it will ensure that the industry operates in strict compliance with the law, pointing out that it is organising training courses for tourism practitioners to enhance their knowledge, as well as improve the overall quality of tourism services.
This photo provided by MGTO on Friday shows some of its inspectors on duty near the Barrier Gate checkpoint. – Photo by MGTO
