A simplified transport and immigration clearance between Hong Kong and Macau could significantly ease travel and spur tourism between the two Chinese cities, according to Wynn Macau, one of six casino operators in the former Portuguese colony.
By improving connectivity and cooperation, the governments of both special administrative regions can create a more conducive environment and experience for local residents and foreign visitors, vice-chairman and president Linda Chen said.
“If we host an event in Macau, it should be promoted to Hong Kong tourists and vice versa,” she said in an interview. “If Hong Kong hosts a concert, then we should actually make it easier for people in Macau to go watch the concert and then come back.”
Her view echoed President Xi Jinping’s statement on Thursday in which he called on both cities to “stay united and work for greater achievements”, Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi is currently on an official visit to Macau for the 25th anniversary of the handover to Chinese sovereignty.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu earlier highlighted that Macau and Hong Kong, as core cities of the Greater Bay Area, are jointly driving the region’s development by leveraging their unique yet complementary strengths.
Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai pledged to diversify the world’s biggest gambling hub by enriching its offerings as a tourism and leisure destination.