The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has rolled-out a subsidy scheme for Macau residents joining tours run by local travel agencies in hopes of spurring domestic travel.

Under the campaign, titled Macao Ready Go! Local Tours, each Macau permanent and non-permanent resident can enjoy a grant of 560 patacas (MYR 300) to join two tours – with 280 patacas per tour – scheduled between June 22 and September 30 organised by participating travel agencies.

Participants can pick from 15 itineraries in two categories: Community-based Tours (six itineraries) and Leisure Tours (nine itineraries). The tour fees cover sightseeing, catering, tour guide service, insurance, and more. The two grants must be used on tours in different categories. Those who wish to join a third tour must then pick up the tab.

The project is coordinated by MGTO, sponsored by the Macao Foundation, and undertaken by a task force comprising Macau Travel Agency Association, Association of Macao Tourist Agents and Travel Industry Council of Macau.

As part of the project, the task force will work with the travel agencies for their provision of resources such as coaches, drivers and tour guides, as well as arrangements for catering and tourist attractions, among others.

In addition, to cater for participants with special needs, community organisations, schools and other institutions can contact the task force for coordination of tour application via info@lovemacau.org.