RUSSIA has piqued Macau’s interest as a new source market, with the number of Russian tourists on package tours skyrocketing by 122.9 per cent last year, though from a small base.
Arrivals from Russia are likely to continue soaring, given the visa-free pact signed by Macau and Russia’s authorities in 2012 that came into effect on September 30, allowing tourists a 30-day visa-free stay.
Gray Line Tours of Macau’s managing director, Andy Wu, urged MGTO to hold promotions in Russia to generate awareness of Macau as a destination.
Wu said: “(Macau) could be an add-on stop for Russians when they plan week-long visits to Hainan Island (in China).”
However, he acknowledged some difficulties in tapping the Russian market. “As (Macau is) a small city, it is hard to persuade (Russians) to stay long. We also face challenges such as (having to) train tour guides (to cater to Russian visitors) and the lack of direct air access between Macau and Russia,” he said.
To get to Macau, Russian visitors must travel via Hong Kong.
The new director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, said: “We are still testing waters. Promotions will be implemented step-by-step, so we can’t expect (too much) at this stage.”
She said MGTO would appoint a new marketing representative in Russia.
Fernandes was speaking at the MGTO Annual Press Conference 2013, where it was revealed that Macau would continue to explore different tourist segments and tackle overcrowding at key attractions.
“We hope to divert tourists from jam-packed attractions to other interesting spots in Macau,” she explained.
Wedding tourism is also on MGTO’s rader, having launched a wedding incentive scheme last November. Couples whose nuptials bring at least 50 non-local guests staying two consecutive nights at Macau’s hotels will receive tourism information kits, welcome gifts and other perks to help them better experience the destination.
