Are tour groups charging entry fees for casinos?

 out24

Mainland tour group visitors have recently complained on social media that they were asked for entry fees by tour guides when entering casinos in Macau.

In response, Helena de Senna Fernandes, Head of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), announced on Sunday that an investigation will be launched to address these illegal practices.

According to a complaint found by AGB on China’s social media platform Xiaohongshu, a netizen reported being charged RMB200 ($28) for entry to The Venetian Macau.

Speaking to local media outlets, Fernandes acknowledged the concerning posts and stated that authorities would investigate whether the actions stemmed from local travel agencies or cross-border tour guides. She emphasized that inspections will be carried out.

Fernandes explained that if local travel agencies are found responsible, they will face fines, and depending on the severity of the situation, their licenses could be affected. If non-local tour guides are involved, different penalties will apply.

MGTO has pledged to not only conduct its own inspections but also to collaborate with relevant departments for joint inspections. She reiterated that monitoring efforts have never ceased, and the authorities will work with the Greater Bay Area to combat these issues. In a recent meeting in Macau, information was exchanged regarding suspected problems or violations, which will be reported to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Fernandes also stated that the authorities will continue to enhance public education efforts, highlighting that low-priced tour groups are often the source of many issues. She reiterated her call for tourists to avoid such options.

When asked whether the MGTO received any complaints about tour group violations this year, Fernandes noted that the number of violations discovered through inspections exceeds the number of complaints received. She described these violations as a persistent issue, indicating that while some patterns may fade, new ones often emerge. She emphasized that the authorities will continue to monitor, combat, and raise awareness about these practices.

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