A new multi-entry visa for Chinese nationals on package tours is set to be implemented for travel between Macau and neighboring Hengqin on May 6th, allowing more fluid tourism passage between the regions.

Group tour operators are bound to be rejoicing over the recent news that Macau and Hengqin are set to establish a multi-entry visa policy between the territories. According to insiders, the scheme could cause a loss to Macau hotel operations, with cheaper options right across the border.

The Chinese government is considering the creation of a new visa type intended for Chinese tour groups, allowing multi-entry between Macau and Hengqin during a specified period.

The Artyzen Hotel brand, under gaming mogul Pansy Ho’s Shun Tak Group, opens the new Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai on Thursday, March 28th.

Even though the world's largest gaming hub Macau recovered strongly in the first half of the year, it still needs to catch up with neighboring Hengqin or Zhuhai, according to an industry insider.

Macau's non-gaming neighbor Hengqin is putting itself more and more on the map, as more luxury brands and hotels move into the space, capitalizing on synergy by providing more hotel rooms and MICE space

Hengqin is only 200 meters away from the world's biggest gaming hub Macau and was established in 2009 to help Macau diversify its economy by developing other industries. Now the area is stepping up its efforts for synergy with its neighbors, as luxury hotel brands move in and MICE facilities ramp up. 

Macau businesses and residents are being offered cash incentives to move and set up companies in the Guangdong Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin island, according to local media reports.

It feels like Macau’s Wild West. A stone’s throw away and yet a world apart, Hengqin Island has been buzzing with tourists since May 2020. If China’s government has its way, the island and the world’s largest gambling hub, will become an integrated tourism zone that will drive diversification of Macau’s economy. The operators are likely to play a key role.

It feels like Macau’s Wild West. A stone’s throw away and yet a world apart, Hengqin Island has been buzzing with tourists since May 2020.