On November 22, Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and Chairperson of Tourism Development Committee (CDT) led a delegation of CDT members to experience ‘Macau Cruise’. Shun Tak – China Travel Ship Management (Macau) Ltd (Shun Tak) coordinated the visit.  The delegation received a warm welcome from Hong Yu Han Anna, Deputy General Manager, and Alfred Ng, Director of Macau Service Division.  Through the experience gained in the ‘Macau Cruise’, the CDT members could provide views and suggestions in promoting marine and coastal tourism products in Macao. With appropriate adjustment, it can further optimize the performance of ‘Macau Cruise’ before its official launch. This can elevate the performance of the marine tourism products in Macao. 

The sailing duration of ‘Macau Cruise’ was approximately 45 minutes. The route mainly connected the Taipa Pier and the Coloane Pier.  Along the coast of Macao Peninsula, Taipa, Coloane and Hengqin¸ the tourism scenes, such as A-Ma Temple, Guia Fortress, Colina da Penha, Macao Science Center, Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, Macau Tower, the three cross-sea bridges, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Macau Light Rapid Transit System, Cotai entertainment complex and the University of Macau Hengqin Campus could be seen. ‘Macau Cruise’ allowed passengers to experience Macao as a cosmopolitan city on the water, land at various places of interest, walk in the vicinity of the land to visit various places of interest, taste the specialties and experience the unique style of Macao.

After that, Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng emphasized that the SAR government had been studying the feasibility of developing marine tourism.  Fortunately, the Central Government defined the new maritime area of Macao in 2015 which was a shot in the arm. Moreover, the SAR Government considered marine tourism as a major policy objective. The tourism-related departments would support the industry to launch a more such kind of products.  This allowed visitors to experience Macao’s history and culture from a new perspective. Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng thanked Shun Tak for acting in concert with the SAR Government's tourism policy, tailoring leisure marine tourism products with local features to create a unique tourism experience for the public and tourists. The tourism-related departments would promote ‘Macau Cruise’ through various channels to help building the brand of maritime tourism.

Later on, Shun Tak arranged a symposium, chaired by Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng, to listen to the opinions and suggestions of the CDT members after experiencing the ‘Macau Cruise’. The CDT members made a number of suggestions, including parking spots arrangement, taking a close look at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, enriching catering and entertainment, planning day and night route, investment opportunities, promoting strategies and industrial cooperation programs, etc.

Finally, Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng led the delegation to visit the downtown of Coloane and introduced the latest work plan.  After a stroll through the Coloane Pier, Ancient Temple of Kun Iam in Coloane, Coloane Library, and the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, the CDT members could still feel the simplicity of the old fishing village.  They predicted that after the official launch of ‘Macao Cruise’, more high-end leisure visitors would be attracted which could inject new vitality into the community.

The participants in this event included Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Leong Veng Hang, Lam Io Pak, Zhou Jiangming, Vong Man Kit, Hoi Io Meng, Vong Chuk Kwan, Ieong Chi Kin, Wong Chi Hong, Wong Hon Neng, Wong Suk Yan, Mac Wong Lai Mei, Cheong Man Sio, Wong Fai, Wu Wai Fong, Lo Wang Chun, He Haiming, Liao Hanxi, Wong Ying Kit, Qiu Guifeng, Wong Yu Yan Irene, Kong Mei Fan, Lam Chong In, Chen Chih Ling Linda, Cheung Chiu Hang Raymond, Wong Yeuk Lai Alan.