The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) today appealed to Macao residents to be on the alert to the situation in Egypt and halt plans to visit the country. If necessary, they could call the Tourism Hotline (853-28333000) for information. According to available information from the tourism sector, there are currently no tours from Macao and Macao residents integrated in outbound tour groups in the country. The Hong Kong Travel Industry Council decided at the end of their meeting today (January 31) to continue to have all excursions to Egypt halted until 12h00 on 8 February. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has already ordered the dispatch of a chartered flight to the capital Cairo to bring stranded Chinese citizens home. GGCT continues to carefully monitor the developments in Egypt, reminding Macao residents that if necessary, they may always contact the Tourism Hotline: 853-28333000. From January 29 until 15h00 of today (January 31), GGCT has received one request for information regarding the current situation in the country. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has already issued a statement to the citizens, whose full text is as follows: "Despite the recent deterioration of safety conditions in certain parts of Egypt, with several deaths and injuries already confirmed, there is no data which include Chinese citizens. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China pays close attention to the safety of China's citizens in Egypt, having been activated contingency mechanisms and contacts, including telephone hotlines operating 24 hours a day in order to give all necessary support to its citizens in case of emergency. “The Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Embassy in Egypt warns citizens to halt possible both individual and group travel plans to Egypt. For those who already are in Egypt, citizens should strengthen prevention awareness and safety, reduce unnecessary activities, avoid traveling to places where incidents occur or places with gathering of large groups of people. “However, in any case of emergency, citizens should provide timely notice to local law enforcement authorities or seek support from their respective embassies and Chinese consulates in Egypt, through the following 24 hours telephone numbers: “Chinese Embassy in Egypt: 002-02-27361219; 002-02-27363219; 002-02-27363556 “Chinese Consulate General in Alexandria, Egypt: 0020-3-3916953; 0020-3-3924324 “Centre for Consular Protection and Assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 010-65963747.”
