Numerous Macao tourism groups signed agreements May 19 that will, in the words of Hengqin New Area Tourism Development Bureau's Feng Yuhong, create a "one journey, multiple stops" boutique tourism.

Exchanges and cooperation with Hengqin New Area will be strengthened with Macao in terms of travel destinations, promotions, standards, and marketing. Under the compact, the Greater Bay Area Travel Agency, Hotel & Catering Alliance and Hengqin Tourism Association will be guided by government and tourism enterprises to integrate and share Hengqin-Macao resources.

Signing onto the agreement are: the Macao Travel Agency Association, Travel Industry Council of Macao, Association of Macao Tourist Agents, Macao International Carnival Association, Macao Leisure Tourism Service Innovation Association, United Association of Food & Beverage Merchants of Macao, Macao Food & Beverage Association, and Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macao Cultural Exchange Association.

Signing ceremony [Photo by Luo Xuying / Guanhai App]

Greater Bay alliance president Nga Fong (Alex) Lao cited Hengqin's location as the sole Chinese mainland free trade zone directly connected by roadway to both Hong Kong and Macao. He suggested complementary tourism and cultural development based on structural differentiation, production modernization, and urban data sharing.

That same day, the newly elected president of the Hengqin Tourism Association pledged that it would become a new bond between the government and industry. Zhu Jie said they would support industrial development, cement Hengqin-Macao tourism cooperation, and serve member enterprises.