Macau to offer free one-way ferry tickets from Hong Kong for foreign visitors

Starting on February 1, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) will be offering free one-way ferry tickets between Hong Kong and Macau as part of a special promotion for international tourists.

Additionally, the bureau is carrying on a special campaign that provides free one-way tickets for direct buses that connect the Macau Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge to Hong Kong International Airport.

The goal of these initiatives is to persuade travelers from Hong Kong and other transit passengers to make side trips to Macau. Only those from areas outside of Greater China are eligible for these deals, according to a press release from the MGTO released on Tuesday.

These initiatives seek to broaden the source markets for tourism and economic growth in addition to drawing more international visitors to Macau.

The goal of the free one-way ferry ticket to Macau, which is offered from February 1 to July 31, is to entice international visitors to Hong Kong to extend their stay in Macau. By presenting legitimate travel documents, such as boarding cards, electronic tickets, or transportation receipts, attesting to their arrival in Hong Kong within seven days of their intended trip to Macau, international passengers are eligible to get complimentary ferry tickets in advance.

Similarly, from February 1 to August 31, there is a free ticket offer for direct bus travel. For the direct shuttle transfer from the SkyPier Terminal to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, foreign travelers may get free bus tickets in the restricted region upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport by producing their valid travel papers and boarding cards.

To promote Macau trip packages, MGTO stated in a second statement on Tuesday that it is collaborating with 12 international cruise line operators that service Hong Kong. Via the websites of the cruise lines or the tour offices on board, passengers may purchase these tour packages prior to, during, or after their cruise vacation, as well as when they arrive at the port in Hong Kong. The Macau Tower, the Macao Museum, historical landmarks, and casino resorts in Macau are all included in these trip itineraries.

By offering international visitors a simple way to visit Macau, the Hong Kong Cruise Terminal (MGTO) seeks to attract their interest in adding the city to their itinerary.

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service said that in fiscal year 2023, the city welcomed around 28.21 million tourists, of whom less than 1.46 million were international visitors from countries other than Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

Original story by: GGRAsia