Macau is studying a plan to offer free ferry tickets to Macau for international business travelers who attend business events and conventions in Hong Kong, with the aim of encouraging them to extend their trips to Macau and boost tourism and spending.
The idea was mentioned by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes in a written reply to a lawmaker’s enquiry. She said the government has been promoting the international visitor market through multiple measures.
Following the launch earlier this year of the “Fly You to Macau” program – which provides international travelers with a free one-way bus ticket from the restricted area of Hong Kong International Airport to Macau – the authorities are now looking into additional initiatives.
In addition, the government has partnered with airlines and travel agencies to roll out package products and related promotions, such as “air ticket + ferry ticket/coach ticket” bundles, to attract more international visitors to Macau.
At the same time, the government is working with travel agencies that handle cruise lines calling at Hong Kong to offer Macau one-day tour itineraries and ferry-ticket discounts for cruise passengers visiting Hong Kong, promoting “multi-destination” travel.
Since Macau’s reopening in 2023, the government has continued to step up efforts to expand the international visitor market and has introduced a range of promotional programs. Among them, the “Fly You to Macau” program was first launched in 2024 and has been extended in 2025 and again this year, offering free coach services to international visitors from outside Greater China who are visiting Hong Kong.
Expanding the international visitor market has also become one of the key social responsibilities that Macau’s six gaming concessionaires are required to fulfill.
