“Taxi Ambassadors” to assist visitors

Jointly organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau and Association of Traders and Operators of Commercial Vehicles, the “Taxi Ambassador” scheme aims to provide assistance to visitors using taxis in Macau. The 2-month pilot program has been launched today (August 4) at the Macau Ferry Terminal and will be extended according to public response. From 9am to 9pm everyday, “Taxi Ambassadors” donning uniforms and working badges will assist visitors at the taxi station outside the Macau Ferry Terminal by helping non Chinese speaking visitors in communication with taxi drivers about taxi fares, destinations and writing down the number of the license plate on an information card with useful phone numbers. The “Taxi Ambassadors” are fluent in Cantonese and have good command of English and Putonghua. Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, João Manuel Costa Autunes expressed that MGTO has been working closely with the local associations to enhance the service quality of the tourism industry. As taxi service is a crucial component of the tourism industry, the cooperation with General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau and Association of Traders and Operators of Commercial Vehicles will further reinforce the image of Macau as a tourist destination. Vice Chairman of Association of Traders and Operators of Commercial Vehicles, Leng Sai Hou said that the “Taxi Ambassadors” are mainly college students and the training courses provided by the association equip them with knowledge, technique and skills to assist visitors at the taxi station. He also added that with this scheme, in line with the summer holidays when mass visitors travel to Macau, the “Taxi Ambassadors” can also help facilitate the traffic at the taxi station. If the scheme works satisfactorily, Leng hopes that the service can be extended to other entry checkpoints in Macau during major holidays. One of the “Taxi Ambassadors” Lam Wa Chong said that as the youth of Macau, he hopes that he can contribute to Macau’s tourism industry and looks forward to helping visitors with other “Taxi Ambassadors”.