As more and more Australian travellers put Macao on their must-visit list, we thought it would be timely to help agents get to know the destination better – to drill a bit deeper into all the things that put the WOW in Macao for every visitor. 90,000 Australians visited Macao in 2018, more than in any previous year, and that figure is only growing!
The iconic Senado Square, Macao/MGTO
The number of visitor arrivals to Macao set a new record of 35.8 million in 2018, representing 9.8 percent year-on-year growth, according to the latest information released by the Macao Statistics and Census Service.
Macao is indeed a unique, vibrant, exciting and welcoming destination, so close to Australia. It was the first Asian nation to be colonised – by the Portuguese in 1557 – and was one of the last Asian nations to remain a European nation, returning as a sovereign Chinese nation only in 1999 after 450 years of Portuguese rule.
Now a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, Macao’s fusion of East meets West is evident across everything from its architecture and cuisine to its culture and traditions. A place where modernity sits side-by-side with a rich, and largely undisturbed, history, the City of Macao was deservedly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.
So … beginning next week, Travel Monitor will be running a daily series (Monday 19 August – Friday 23 August) especially for agents – THE 5 FACES OF MACAO – providing all the inside information you need, to help your clients create the perfect trip to Macao.
Bungy jumping with A J Hackett from Macau Tower/MGTO
Each day will focus on unveiling a different ‘FACE’ of Macao – covering everything from high-end luxury to culture, shopping, the fabulous cuisine for which Macao is renowned (including Michelin starred restaurants), night life, exhilaration, tradition, family fun and special events. We’ll include video, fantastic images, Fact Sheets and more to help you become even more acquainted with this vibrant destination.
Galaxy Macau on the Cotai Strip/MGTO
TODAY … we’re taking you on an introductory virtual mini Macao famil, ahead of next week’s in depth 5 FACES OF MACAO series …
Macao Peninsula/MGTO
MACAU or MACAO?
The name Macau, or Macao is derived from the Chinese Ama-gao, or “Bay of Ama,” for Ama, the patron goddess of sailors.
Both spellings are correct – Macau derives from modern Portuguese and Macao from an older form of Portuguese, and the long term preferred English spelling.
WHERE IS MACAO?
Macao (otherwise known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China) is an independent territory of East Asia situated at the base of the Chinese Guangdong Province. It’s exactly 64kms from Hong Kong and is bordered by the city of Zhuhai in Mainland China to the north, and the Pearl River Delta to the east and south.
Macao covers an area of 30.5 square kms – to put that into context, Hong Kong is approximately 80 square kms.
Taipa and Coloane are parishes of Macao, where much of the historic and cultural sights of the destination can be found. The two small islands sit south of the Macao Peninsula, connected by The Cotai Strip, known as ‘the Las Vegas of Asia’.
GETTING THERE
Macao is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. From Australia, fly into Hong Kong and enjoy the comfortable one hour ferry ride, or the shuttle bus, on the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge from Hong Kong International Airport to Macao.
Fly into Macao International Airport from a range of Asian hubs, on routes serviced by a number of airlines including AirAsia, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Philippine Airlines and many others.
VISAS
Smartraveller advises that Australian passport holders do not generally requires a visa for Macao if the visit is for tourism purposes and the duration of the visit is less than 30 days. Macao is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China and has separate visa and entry administration to those of Hong Kong and mainland China.
Australian visitors who plan to travel between Macao and mainland China will need a visa, and will require a multiple-entry visa for China if they plan to return to mainland China after visiting Macao. Visas for China can be obtained before leaving Australia.
Taipa and Coloane/MGTO
WHEN TO TRAVEL?
Temperature wise, Macao has a sub-tropical climate which experiences milder temperatures during the winter months (Nov-Feb) and higher temperatures during the summer months (June – Aug). Higher rainfall and tropical storms affect the city during the summer and autumn months.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Macao is the Macao Pataca or MOP. The Hong Kong dollar is an unofficial second currency, widely accepted in Macao. The Pataca is dispensed in the many ATMs in Macao.
One Australian Dollar (AUD) is approximately 5.4 Macao Pataca (MOP)*.*Based on currency exchange rates 16 August 2019.
WHERE TO STAY?
Visitors are spoiled for choice in Macao – from the ultra high luxe glamour of hotels like the Venetian, Galaxy and The Sands and international 5-star brand hotels including Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton and Marriott to chic boutique hotels, or budget hotels and pousadas (inns).
Ruins of St. Paul’s/MGTO
Did You Know …?
- Macao is very safe and visitors experience very low levels of crime
- Macao is one of the wealthiest regions in the world – new data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that by 2020, Macao will overtake Qatar with the highest per-capita gross domestic product of any country or jurisdiction
- Macao has one of the world’s earliest forms of fusion cuisine, and is included on an elite list of UNESCO Creative Cities for its unique Macanese cuisine
- Macao has a longstanding reputation as the host of globally renowned, diverse and fabulous festivals and events across fashion, food, performance, motorsport, art and culture and theatre. Its firework displays are frequent and legendary!
- Macao has been part of the Grand Prix motorsport circuit since 1954. The 66th Macau Grand Prix, will be held from 14 November to 17 November 2019.
- Macao offers up entertainment, accommodation, activities and adventure for all ages and types of travellers including couples, niche groups and families, and across all budgets.
THE 5 FACES OF MACAO – starts in Travel Monitor next Monday, 19 August 2019!
Why not take three minutes to see just how Macao does WOW! ….
