Macau (MNA) – Macau SAR authorities are considering building a pier near the A-Ma temple in the southwest of the Macau Peninsula to operate leisure cruise tours between the Peninsula and the islands, Macau News Agency (MNA) has learned.
Speaking to MNA, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) said that it expects the pier on the Peninsula to be developed near the A-Ma Temple, ‘considering the history and stories of Macau.’
It added that the decision is pending the resolution of ‘some technical issues,’ which include developing ‘supporting facilities along the shore.’
Plans for establishing maritime connections between the Peninsula and the islands were first disclosed by Macau Business in 2017. At that time, the Macau Tower area was the location being mulled by the MSAR Government for accommodating a pier.
Shun Tak Holdings Limited, an established shipping operator and property and investment group in the city, is the company which will operate the tours, as previously disclosed by Macau Business.
According to MGTO, the company headed by Pansy Ho, is planning to invest in leisure cruise tours with an initial plan to provide two circular routes connecting the Macau Peninsula to Taipa and the Peninsula to Coloane.
The locations of the terminals in the islands are ‘basically confirmed,’ MGTO told MNA, being the Taipa Ferry Terminal and Coloane Pier.
MGTO stated further that it is currently negotiating solutions with relevant departments and the interested operator.
Tours
The Office said that the company ‘is currently studying on the number of cruise tours and passenger flows while it is hoped to have more frequent tours.’
It added that related government departments – which include the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) – ‘will discuss with the operator to increase the number of tours according to the actual situation when the cruise tours come into operation.’
The Office has not stated when it expects the tours to begin operations.
Upon our requests, Shun Tak requested us to seek relevant information from MGTO.
The Office overseeing the project also said the fare base price for the tours will be set taking into consideration cost effectiveness and pricing practices in the neighbouring regions.
