The Macau Government Tourist Office yesterday started to publish the room rates of local hotels and guesthouses on its website on a permanent basis as a reference for residents and visitors.

The body said that for guests who reserve rooms directly with the hotels, the price cannot exceed the limit of the rates published.

If bookings are done through any other channels, namely travel agencies or on-line reservation services, the room rates published on the website can only be taken as a reference, as prices offered are likely to also include commissions.

Currently, all hotels and guesthouses need to inform the Tourist Office of any revised room rates.

During the May 1 Labour Day holiday this year, the Tourist Office published the room rates of hotels and guesthouses for the first time. This measure was also implemented during the National Day holiday and the Macau Grand Prix.

According to the Tourist Office, as the measure was well received, the body decided to publish the rates on a permanent basis.