Brought to you by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)

Decisive action and vigilance by the Macao government and local residents, with support from the central government, have kept Macao’s confirmed Covid-19 cases to 46 – with no fatalities – and no new infections since June 26.

Their concerted efforts have ensured control and containment measures such as social distancing, contact tracing, and the mandatory wearing of protective face coverings in casinos, government offices, schools, and on public transport remain effective.

To guard against imported cases, Macao’s border closure has remained largely in place, except to visitors from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China. Entry requirements for Hong Kong and Taiwan visitors will involve a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid test result issued within the past 24 hours, and the past 7 days respectively; including a 14-day quarantine in designated facilities. For visitors from mainland China, they must possess a certificate of negative result or a certificate of specimen collection for Covid-19 nucleic acid test issued within the past 7 days.

Home team first

With travel into and out of Macao likely to remain tightly regulated for some time, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has devised a programme to encourage domestic tourism.

Macao Ready Go! (MRG) is part of the government’s platform of economic revival measures. It encourages locals to rediscover their own home, through special offers such as markdowns in retail, leisure and entertainment venues, as well as themed packages are consolidated through an e-coupon programme.

Local tours comprising of 25 itineraries have also been launched, including a behind-the scenes visit to Macau International Airport for insights into flight procedures at Air Macau, coupled with a private jet experience at Macau Jet. The most popular option is the “Helicopter Ride Experience”, and this offering will be extended to cope with resounding demand. Tours have been grouped under “Community-based” or “Leisure”, with prices ranging from MOP$18 (US$2) to MOP$398 (US$50) and participants are entitled to a subsidy. Fees will cover sightseeing, catering, tour guide services and insurances, which will give the industry a much-needed boost.

Full recovery on the horizon

Arrivals from mainland China have seen a slow but steady increase since the gradual reopening of individual and group permits to Macao began in August.

Indeed, MGTO spared no effort in exciting potential mainland visitors with a spate of promotional campaigns. In tandem with Macao Economic Bureau (DSE), the Greater Bay Area Mega Rewards Festival was unveiled. It is a joint effort to support the digital platform Alipay in organising multiple online and offline discounts and promotional activities targeting Guangdong province. So far, over 20,000 retail brands and specialty shops such as cosmetics, pharmacies, catering, supermarkets and chain stores in Macao have signed up, and over 10 million e-coupons have been sold to date.

Meanwhile, the Macao SAR government is gearing up for a nationwide campaign through collective promotional efforts together with local and mainland partners of major platforms such as Alipay, UnionPay, Alibaba, Tencent to inspire visitors from the mainland to come visit Macao. Under the MRG umbrella, MGTO launched an e-platform featuring Macao’s SMEs, travel trade, Air Macau and other partners in promoting Macao as a destination to lure more visitors and stimulate spending.

A major Macao tourism promotion is coming up later this month in Beijing, ahead of China’s National Day “golden week” to further signal that Macao is ready to safely welcome visitors. More details on the event will be announced shortly.

MGTO plans to launch promotions in other destinations similar to those that are planned for launch in Beijing and other mainland cities once travel restrictions are removed. For now, MGTO continues to sustain travel aspirations among potential visitors through online promotional activities. Going forward, the concept of travel bubbles will most likely play a pivotal role in boosting tourism, and with quarantine requirements lifted for all inbound mainland Chinese citizens effective July 15, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge is highly anticipated to play a key role in facilitating travel between these regions.

Rebuilding confidence

Key tourism players have demonstrated commitment to uphold health and safety protocols to guests and staff members, in a bid to reassure domestic and future overseas visitors.

The health and safety of casino employees and patrons are also of utmost importance, in maintaining Macao’s reputation for being a gaming mecca. To gain entry, visitors must adhere to guidelines which operators have developed in conjunction with Macao’s gaming regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). Casino staff are also being progressively slated for Covid-19 tests since mid July.

In rebuilding traveller confidence, Macau Explorer Cultural Travel has rolled out a host of health measures, from proactive distribution of face masks and advocating social distancing, to adapting technology in its bid to enhance health measures that are relevant for the current climate.

Sands Resorts Macao is the first hospitality group in Macao to receive certification from global certification organisation Bureau Veritas for exceeding all relevant local anti-epidemic regulations and requirements. Sands SafeStay, a comprehensive programme on cleanliness and disinfection measures, ensure the safety of staff and guests by focusing on sanitatisation, prevention and the promotion of contactless services. Paving the way are the Eiffel Tower and teamLab SuperNature, which are equipped with e-ticketing capabilities. Guests are now able to purchase tickets through through Wechat and other mobile apps, and gain access by scanning a QR code.

At Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the “Play Safe” initiative sees a dedicated team to oversee and perform additional room inspections in ensuring that rooms are cleaned according to existing procedures, with corrective coaching applied to rectify any shortfalls.

Ticking all the right boxes – to even exceeding mandated standards in health and safety protocols – Macao has illustrated, it is only through solidarity and cooperation between the private sectors, NTO and the government that the tourism recovery is possible, and its multiplier effect, harnessed.

Brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand

Phetchaburi

A province’s location can be rather telling, when sea grapes, otherwise known as “green caviar”, are regarded as a local delicacy. Neighbouring beach mecca Hua Hin (widely hailed as a summer retreat for Thai royals) to the east, and bordering Myanmar to the west; Phetchaburi province is also a haven for hiking and extreme sport enthusiasts for its abundant jungle trails peppering the Thai-Myanmar border.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – The largest national park in Thailand, it is contiguous with the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve bordering Myanmar. The national park is popular for its close proximity to Hua Hin.

Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park – This well known landmark located atop a 92m hill was the summer palace of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and showcases a blend of Thai, neoclassical Western, and Chinese architectural styles. Cable car options to the peak are available.

Samut Prakan

Another coastal location, its proximity to Bangkok will make a day trip suffice. A rustic town big on its culinary heritage, don’t miss the opportunity to try the famed gourami fish (Pla Salit) that has been relished by Thais for many centuries. Its uniqueness lies in that it is not eaten fresh, but sun-dried, to reveal its distinct flavour.

The Ancient City – Pressed for time but would still like a sampler of Thai architecture and history? Look no further than the Ancient City – dubbed the world’s largest outdoor museum – featuring replicas of Thailand’s most famous monuments and architectural attractions.

Bang Phli floating market – A transportation and trading hub connecting the east coast to Bangkok for more than 150 years, it is the only surviving piece of architecture along the main watercourse of Samut Prakhan province. Be sure to try the varieties of cooked Pla Salit here, as Bang Phli is also noted as an origin of commercially reared gourami fish.

Chonburi

Travellers tend to associate Chonburi with Pattaya, but the province offers so much more than a conventional beach getaway. The Si Racha municipality, known for being the provenance of the world famous Sriracha chilli sauce, is testament that visitors will lose themselves in a myriad of regional delicacies and fresh seafood.

Bang Saen Beach – An hour’s drive from Pattaya, Bang Saen Beach during the year-end is filled with bioluminescent plankton blooms, marking it an unforgettable nocturnal experience to behold. Those who are brave enough may consider a night swim, and bathe in the neon glow.

Silver Lake Vineyard – Who would have thought Thailand is a wine producing region too? The climate, rich soil and long growing season in this part of the hemisphere has given birth to New Latitude Wines, a definition accorded to wines produced in non-traditional climates. Aside from tasting and cellar tours, the vineyard also houses a wine and grill restaurant offering wine pairing menus.

Singburi

Having long flown under the tourism radar for being a rural agricultural province, Singburi province offer visitors bespoke encounters which they cannot find in bigger metropolitan cities. Famous for its snakehead fish sourced from the Mae La River, this local speciality featuring a soft and crumbly texture, and fresh taste, is found in many restaurants in the Mae La area of the Bang Rachan district. The province is also known for its annual longboat races held every October or November, with the Princess’s Cup Championship being the most coveted.

Mae Nam Noi Kilns – Once part of the largest pottery-making sites in Thailand from the 14th to 17th century, visitors can marvel at the preserved ruins of several kilns, as well as remnants of pottery today. The kiln’s claim to fame came when fragments of ceramics were found aboard shipwrecks in far-flung continents, attesting to its former importance.

Nang Yai Museum – Located within Wat Sawang Arom, this museum is dubbed as Thailand’s biggest, and most complete collection of shadow puppets (Nang Yai). Depicting figures from Thai folklore and history, these shadow puppets made from intricately cut buffalo skins form the core exhibits, along with traditional masks used in performances and a collection of musical instruments.

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom is credited for being the birthplace of Buddhism in Thailand, and its abundance of fruit orchards stemming from fertile lands. A food and fruits festival held every September offers visitors glimpses into its agricultural roots, with pomelos – especially those from Nakhon Chaisi district – in high demand.

Phra Pathom Chedi – On the grounds of this royal temple is also a museum housing a collection of artefacts dating back to the Ban Chiang and Dvaravati periods – widely regarded as the first civilisations in Thailand.

Sawat Canal  – Why not consider an agrotourism cruise, having arrived at the home of the fruit orchards? The boat trip ranges from two to four hours, and has capacity for up to six persons. Enroute sights and encounters include visits and agricultural experiences to orchid gardens, pomelo and jack fruit orchards, and lotus fields. Rounding up the cruise, visitors will have the opportunity to sample these processed agricultural products, such as salted egges and jasmine rice crisps.

Catch the first episode of “Chef Chats”, featuring the journeys of French chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier and Thai chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget as they explore a sea grape farm in the Phetchaburi province.

More episodes will be progressively released on Facebook at MICHELIN Guide Thailand and YouTube at MICHELIN Guide Asia.