Inflation pressure in Macau makes visitors to the city feel that it becomes more expensive for them to stay.
In interviews with several visitors who came to Macau during the Easter holidays, the Macao Daily News reported that those from Hong Kong and mainland China felt that Macau is becoming more expensive to visit.
One visitor from Hong Kong pointed out that while Portuguese tarts in Hong Kong cost HKD6 each, they cost MOP7 each.
The Tourist Price Index in 2007 was up by 9.51% compared to 2006, and hotel rooms make up half of the total expenses of visitors who choose to stay.
Meanwhile, a Korean visitors told the newspaper that Macau’s prices are ‘acceptable’.
A local economist pointed out that the relations between service quality and prices have become ‘disproportionate’, and requires attention by the sector.
Lao Pun Lap (劉本立) told Macao Daily News that Macau is no longer a cheap destination, while competitiveness of sectors other than gaming is weak.
Congested city centres and lack of cultural content in resorts may also result in the gradual loss of visitors, he said.
He appealed to the Government and the tourism sector to face the ‘crisis’ by reviewing the service levels and enhancing competitiveness.
Source: BlogMacau.info