Until recently, Macau perceived as at worst a rather sleazy gambling destination, or at best a day trip for curious travellers staying in more cosmopolitan Hong Kong.
However, times have changed and Macau, less than an hour from Hong Kong by ferry, is finally emerging as a fascinating place in its own right.
With an increasing number of operators featuring twin-centre breaks it offers plenty of opportunities for agents to sell to clients already familiar with Hong Kong or visiting for the first time.
Macau was Asia’s oldest European enclave before being returned to Chinese rule 10 years ago and, with its Portuguese architecture and food, offers visitors a totally different range of sights and experiences.
For clients staying in Hong Kong, agents can pre-book excursions through Keith Prowse Attraction Tickets and Attraction World, which offer Macau day tours from £85 and £87 respectively.
Unless clients are seasoned gamblers, or want to try their luck on slot machines, the huge casinos can seem overwhelming, although it’s an interesting experience to walk through them. An alternative is a night at the dogs at the Canindrome, Asia’s only greyhound racing track, where admission to the public stands is under £1.
The fall in the number of business travellers and conferences due to the global economic slowdown means there are plenty of great deals and added value for the leisure market, including introductory rates at new hotels, free nights, room upgrades and complimentary food.
Premier Holidays is running an incentive where agents can earn up to £150 worth of shopping vouchers.
Sue Whitehead, general manager of the Macau Government Tourist Office in the UK, says: “We have been working very closely with the UK trade over the past year to reinforce the message that the wealth of attractions available in Macau make it a unique and fascinating destination to include in any Far East holiday.
“It combines well with destinations across the region, such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and mainland China, as well as a stopover en route Down Under.”
A tale of two cities
| Hong Kong | Macau |
|---|---|
| Why? An exciting city that’s been shaped by the East and West and one that is open 24 hours. | Why? An undiscovered destination where centuries of Portuguese history rubs shoulders with Asian temples and modern attractions. |
| Must see: The panoramic view from the top of Victoria Peak, reached by a near vertical tram ride. | Must see: The UNESCO-listed city centre with the A-Ma Temple and St Paul’s Cathedral facade at the top of a grand flight of stone steps. Pretty Coloane Island, connected by a bridge, where the egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery, founded by an English ex-pat, are legendary. |
| Must do: Take the iconic Star Ferry across the harbour, it’s a brilliant way to see the neon-lit cityscape. | Must do: Visit the 338-metre-high Macau Tower, the world’s only tower where you can go to the top and on or off the edge, if you’re brave enough, to ‘skywalk’ or bungee jump. |
| What’s new?Regal iClub Hotel has just opened in the bustling Wan Chai district. An observation deck at Kowloon’s International Commerce Centre, the world’s fourth highest building, opens later this year. There will be more ships visiting from 2013 when the deep-water terminal opens to the new generation of larger ships. | What’s new? The spectacular City of Dreams, opened last year, has a huge shopping mall, theatres and Grand Hyatt, Crown Towers and funky Hard Rock hotels. Mandarin Oriental will open a new property this year. Work has started on a 18.5-mile bridge, due to be completed in 2016. It will link Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai in mainland China. |
Rooms with a view
The newly opened five-star Harbour Grand Hong Kong occupies a prime spot on the waterfront in the heart of Hong Kong Island, within easy walking distance of the MTR metro system. A gigantic Swarovski chandelier provides plenty of wow factor on arrival and all 828 rooms have views of Victoria Harbour.
A high spot is Le 188° Restaurant and Lounge, offering panoramic views from the top of the hotel. There are Chinese and Japanese restaurants, an all-day cafe plus a children’s and outdoor heated pool and spa.
Across the water, the five-star Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 is set in an equally stunning location on the historic inner harbour and is well placed for shopping and sightseeing.
The 408 rooms and suites overlook the Pearl River Delta and feature the trademark Sofitel ‘MyBed’ and L’Occitane bathroom products. For clients with cash to splash, there are 19 luxurious suites in the Mansion annexe.
Hotel facilities include the French and Mediterranean-influenced Mistral restaurant, elegant Rendezvous bar, outdoor pool overlooking the harbour and Ponte 16 casino, which is open 24 hours a day.
Sample product
Virgin Holidays has a six-night break in Hong Kong and Macau from £1,099 per person. The price, based on two adults sharing a standard room, includes three nights at the Harbour Grand Hong Kong on a room-only basis and three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16, as well as Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow to Hong Kong, transfers and ferry travel to Macau. vhols4agents.co.uk, 0844 557 3859
Funway Holidays’ twin-centre Hong Kong and Macau package starts at £925 per person. The price, based on two adults sharing on a room-only basis, includes Virgin Atlantic flights to Hong Kong from Heathrow, three nights at the Regal Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, three nights at the MGM Grand in Macau, and transfers. funway.co.uk, 0844 557 3859
