![](https://www.gov.mo/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/07/p20goddxii.jpeg)
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) launched the Barrier Free Access Guide (the “Guide”) today (15 July) to provide barrier-free information of local tourist attractions. Individuals with special needs can consider the information when planning their visits. The Guide was designed to foster building of an inclusive local community in parallel with the Macao Special Administrative Region Government’s plan to optimize the city’s urban environment towards greater accessibility.
MGTO commissioned the social service organization Caritas Macau to carry out the “Consultancy Study on Accessible Tourism Facilities in Macao”, conducting site inspections at major local attractions and evaluating their level of accessibility for production of the Barrier Free Access Guide with the data compiled. The Guide encompasses pertinent information on tourist attractions, ports of entry, convention and exhibition venues, shopping malls and hotels, involving close to 150 tourist spots. It not only covers their locations, opening hours and transport facilities, but also includes information about elevators, restrooms and other friendly facilities for wheelchair users at these local spots. Users can learn more about the barrier-free facilities available at their destinations from the illustrations of the Guide.
The Barrier Free Access Guide adopts web accessibility design. Users with special needs can view the website by screen readers or other means. There are videos with auditory and visual guidance for visits to certain tourist spots, enabling wheelchair users to access the actual situation along the routes for better planning of their visits. The website is available in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese and English.
MGTO is striving to provide an accessible urban environment for Macao residents and visitors in line with the SAR Government’s vision to build a barrier-free city. The Office will continue to optimize the Guide and provide a wider variety of useful information for people with special needs. All who are interested are welcome to access the Barrier Free Access Guide ( https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/barrier-free-access-guide ) for further details.