The “Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Alert System”, published today (20th of February) on the Chief Executive Order n.º26/2017, will take effect on the 7th of March, 2017. It is the responsibility of the Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) to manage the said Alert System.
The fundamental content of the Travel Alert System is as follows: Events such as threats of a new type of terrorism, technological accidents and natural catastrophes are some of the examples that showcase the importance that the tourism industry needs to adapt and be prepared to face, at any moment and without prior notice, a crisis situation which may compromise the safety of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) residents who plan to or are travelling abroad.
Therefore it is of extreme importance the implementation of a Macao SAR Travel Alert System which allows for an easy and timely dissemination of information about crisis situations, emergencies or catastrophes affecting different parts of the world, in order to raise the awareness of the population and to facilitate their decision when traveling abroad.
The Travel Alert System covers 77 countries or travel destinations which are the preferred travel destinations of Macao residents, as shown in Table 1. The categorization is in three different levels and identified by the numbers 1, 2, and 3 as shown in Table 2. Level 1 represents an imminent threat to personal safety. Macao residents planning to travel or already in the destination should be alert and vigilant towards their own safety. It is suggested to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their personal safety. Level 2 represents that the threat to personal safety is elevated. Macao residents planning to travel to or already in the destination should reconsider the travel at this time. It is suggested to avoid non-essential travel to the destination. Level 3 represents the presence of an extreme threat to personal safety. Macao residents planning to travel or already in the destination should be aware of the severity of the situation and limits that any official assistance can be provided there. It is advised to avoid travelling to the destination and in certain situations, follow the advice issued by the Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) to leave the destination. (Given the fact that Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are part of the People's Republic of China, these are not covered by the Travel Alert System).
Factors that will be taken into consideration when issuing, cancelling, raising or lowering the levels of the travel alerts are the danger levels of the social-economic fabric, the political frame of the destinations that can constitute simple or complex scenarios (with multiple dangers), the concrete situation, the degree of threat to personal safety, threat duration, whether the affected destination is sought after by Macao residents, or whether the threat is targeted towards tourists as well as any travel alerts issued by Mainland China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and other neighboring regions.
Information to the public regarding the issuing, cancellation, elevation or reduction of the levels of the travel alerts will be disseminated in the form of press releases by the Government Information Bureau and also via the website of the Tourism Crisis Management Office.
Although this Travel Alert System was insightfully prepared, it merely serves as an indicator of the emergency status in order to raise the awareness of each individual on the subject of self-protection, and it does not constitute as any form of guarantee for safety. The Travel Alert System does not have a prohibitive nature and it is up to each individual to decide or adjust their travel plan according to the information provided.
With the implementation of the Travel Alert System, the GGCT advises Macao residents before traveling to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, with coverage option for the Macao SAR Travel Alert System, international emergency medical evacuation coverage, and to also verify with their insurers in case of any doubts regarding the terms and conditions of their insurance coverage.
The Travel Alert System is the result of a relatively extended period of analysis and research by various public and private entities, including the Macao Government Tourism Office, the Monetary Authority of Macao, the tourism industry, the insurance industry, the Tourism Crisis Management Office and its members.
* Attachment