The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announced in statement yesterday that its Travel Alert System has been expanded to cover travel alerts about 110 countries and destinations, including Iran, Lebanon and Syria, which were newly listed as Level 3 (the highest risk), while Pakistan was listed as Level 2.
According to the MGTO website, there are three levels in the Travel Alert System, Level 3 (“Extreme Threat”) is the highest risk category, which advises residents to avoid travelling there, or leave the destination; Level 2 (“Elevated Threat”) suggests avoiding non-essential travel to the destination; while Level 1 (“A Threat Has Emerged”) suggests exercising caution and monitor developments in the destination that might affect personal safety.
The website does not explain the difference between “countries” and “destinations”.
The statement noted that the tourism office has recently held briefings for the Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM) with local travel agencies and insurance companies, asking for their opinions before updating its Travel Alert System.
In the future, regular evaluations will be conducted upon the issuance of travel alerts for countries and travel destinations along with continuous optimisation of the Travel Alert System, according to the statement.
The statement pointed out that the Travel Alert System is not prohibitive, i.e., the decision to travel or to adjust travel plans in line with the information provided is up to the respective individual.
Moreover, MGTO advised residents to purchase travel insurance covering all destinations under the Travel Alert System before departure, as well as to check with the insurance companies concerned about the terms and conditions of the coverage, according to the statement.
For more information about the updated list of 110 counties countries and destinations covered by the Travel Alert System, and the Travel Alert Level classification, please visit https://www.dst.gov.mo/en/tourism-crisis-management/tourism-crisis-management-travel-alert.html .
If any resident needs emergency assistance, they can call the 24-hour tourism hotline on +853 2833 3000 or the Global Emergency Call Centre for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on +86 10 12308, or contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the respective area.
This image provided by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) yesterday shows the 3 levels of its Travel Alert System.
