Yearly increase of 13pct: Visitor arrivals hit one million in CNY Golden Week

2014-2-10

From：Macau Daily Times

The number of visitors to Macau reached one million during the Chinese New Year holiday, registering a growth of 13 percent from the same period last year, according to preliminary statistics from the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO).
Visitor arrivals numbered 1,054,183 (including foreign employees and students) from January 31 to February 6 (Golden Week holidays in the mainland). More than 770,000 of the overall visitors came from the mainland, an increase of 23 percent.
The data provided by the hotel industry shows that the average occupancy rate of three- to five-
star hotels reached 94.4 percent during the Golden Week, a year-on-year rise of 5.4 percent. The total number of rooms supplied by all hotels and guesthouses in Macau surged to 28,890 rooms.
To further illustrate, the three-
star and four-star hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 93.3 percent and 92.8 percent respectively, with increases of 4.3 percent and 5.7 percent, whereas five-star hotels had an average occupancy rate of 97.2 percent, indicating an increase of 6.3 percent.
The average room rate of three-to five-star hotels in Macau was MOP2,387 during the Golden Week, increasing by 17.5 percent. The average room rate of guesthouses was MOP764, an increase of 18.9 percent year-on-year, while the average room rates of two- star and three-star hotels were MOP1,215 and MOP2,386, increases of 12.4 percent and 19.4 percent respectively. The average room rates of four-star and five-star hotels were MOP2,175 and MOP2,601 respectively, with increases of 19.7 percent and 14 percent.
MGTO commented in the official release that, before and during Spring Festival, the authorities were preparing for the peak period in various ways by activating the tourism notification system, increasing inspection duties, sending reminders to the trade regarding various concerns, printing/distributing local food guides, and carrying out a range of Lunar New Year celebrations, etc. “The Office strives not only to cater for citizens and visitors’ needs, but also to optimize local tourism environment and service quality through various measures.”
MGTO also mentioned that it had organized a series of outdoor celebrations for Spring Festival again this year, including the “Parade of the Gigantic Golden Dragon,” the “Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse” and the “Fireworks Display for the Celebration of 2014 Chinese New Year.” Special Chinese New Year festivities were also held along the four walking tour routes of the “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities” project, which are expected to extend visitors’ length of stay in Macau and diversify visitor trends around town.
MGTO said it has been regularly releasing the room rates of Macau hotels and guesthouses in different room categories on its website so that visitors can obtain the latest information. Before Spring Festival arrived, the Office also sent out WeChat and mobile text messages to mainland residents planning to visit Macau during the Golden Week, advising them to reserve rooms in advance and to check hotel room rates on MGTO’s website if needed. In order to ensure visitors have travel tips at hand, the Office also encouraged visitors to download travel information before their trip to Macau, or to obtain free brochures at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters upon arrival.
The MGTO and Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province also jointly implemented the “Tourism Notification System for Spring Festival Golden Week” from 27 January until 7 February. The Office collaborated with relevant departments and tourism reception entities to facilitate hospitality work for visitors during Spring Festival Golden Week.
According to MGTO’s press release, a total of 64 inspections were conducted at various border ports and tourist spots. Two premises operated during the CNY Golden Week as allegedly illegal accommodation venues and were sealed by MGTO.
During Chinese New Year, MGTO received 16 complaints, assistance requests or suggestions from visitors regarding taxis, shopping, hotels and tour-guide services. The authorities said that they had either followed up the cases or transferred them to relevant entities for settlement.

Copyright@Macau Daily Times