MGTO continuously supports community tourism activities
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has all along been encouraging community associations to organize events that benefit the tourism industry while seeking to advance tourism development for economic progress through granting subsidies and other ways of support. In line with the Macao Special Administrative Region Government’s policy to optimize subsidy schemes, the Tourism Fund adjusted the current subsidy mechanism according to the latest principles for the Macao SAR’s autonomous funds in granting financial support, and will launch four specialized subsidy programs of 2022 namely “Development of community tourism and economy”, “Gastronomic culture promotion”, “Maritime tourism” and “Travel trade training” at two stages starting from today (20 September). Subsidized activities/projects must begin within 2022.
Adjust subsidy mechanism
Categorize applications for management by pertinent subsidy programs
The Tourism Fund adjusted the current subsidy mechanism and will launch four specialized subsidy programs of 2022 by stage, in accord with the latest principles for the Macao SAR’s autonomous funds in granting financial support as follows: autonomous funds are required to collect various applications within designated periods; activities or projects of the same nature will be referred to pertinent autonomous funds for management; applicant entities cannot be granted subsidies from more than one autonomous fund or public entity.
The specialized subsidy program for “Development of community tourism and economy” will first open for applications from 20 September 2021 until 15 October 2021. Launched at the second stage, the three specialized subsidy programs for “Gastronomic culture promotion”, “Maritime tourism” and “Travel trade training” will welcome applications starting from mid-November 2021.
Specialized subsidy program for “Development of community tourism and economy” launched at first stage
Since 2013, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has unfolded the Development Plan for Community Tourism with the dedication to foster community tourism development and guide visitors into local communities for exploration and spending. First launched after the latest adjustment of the subsidy mechanism, the specialized subsidy program for “Development of community tourism and economy” aims to actively support local community organizations to unfold various tourism activities and projects which capitalize on the culture, history and tourism resources of local communities, in tandem with the city’s signature tourism events, to enrich the diversity of community travel experiences. The subsidy program also encourages keen participation among small- and medium-sized enterprises to enliven the business environment and attract visitors into different local communities for sightseeing. A wider diversity of travel experiences can thus be created, while steering development of different tourism products forward and revitalizing community tourism and economy.
Subsidy will be granted for excellent activities in four categories
The specialized subsidy program for “Development of community tourism and economy” will mainly support four types of activities/projects as follows: on-site introduction, carnival, community activity/project, as well as supporting activities/projects for signature tourism events. Opting for excellent activities, the Tourism Fund will carefully evaluate and analyze each application based on the following five judging criteria: 1) effect of fostering community tourism and tourism economy; 2) positive impact on diversification of tourism products and enrichment of travel experiences; 3) level of the public’s participation; 4) technical feasibility of activity/project and relevant experience of applicant entities; 5) rationality of budget. For details about the 2022 specialized subsidy programs, please visit the Macao Tourism Industry Net ( https://industry.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/license/services.php?page_id=16600 ).
