The Macau Metro Monitor, December 17, 2012
NO CONTROL OF MAINLAND TOURISTS: MGTO BOSS Macau Business
According to the departing director of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MTGO), João Manuel Costa Antunes, Macau will not create a mechanism to limit the number of mainland visitors based on the city’s capacity. Antunes was quoted as saying the individual visa policy is only implemented by Beijing authorities.
He was commenting on recent moves made by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive C. Y. Leung to control the number of visitors from the mainland, by creating a mechanism to assess the city’s capacity to receive visitors. Leung has convinced mainland authorities to shelve its plan to relax visa restrictions for non-permanent residents in Shenzhen, which has limited the access of over 4.1 million potential visitors. Both sides have agreed to set up a mechanism to assess Hong Kong’s capacity to receive visitors.
NEW PRIVATE HOME SALES PLUNGE 44% IN NOVEMBER, AFFECTED BY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Strait Times
1,087 new private homes were sold last month, or -44% MoM, as the school holiday period dampened sales momentum.
CASH HANDOUT IN 2ND OR 3RD QUARTER: TAM Macau Business
Secretary Tam said 2013's cash handout will be allocated during 2Q or 3Q. Permanent residents will get a cash handout of MOP8,000 (US$1,000) next year, while non-permanent residents will get MOP4,800. Last year, the cash handout was given out from April 24 to July 6.