Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has carried out a big renovation project to remodel its Tourist Information counter at Macau Ferry Terminal since last year. The revamped Tourist Information counter will officially come into operation tomorrow (28 January). The new information counter manifests a brand-new image with its open-style design and offers a wider and cozy environment for visitors. Presenting a series of thoughtful and cutting-edge facilities, the new counter serves to provide quality service for visitors and show warm hospitality.

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and related department supervisors introduced the brand-new facilities of the Tourist Information counter at Macau Ferry Terminal today (27 January). There are not only personnel attending to visitor enquiries but also a range of multi-media equipment for visitors to explore useful travel information at the open-style counter. Facilities and space are also designed for disabled visitors to ensure greater convenience at the counter.

Brilliant image in red and white hues
The main tone of the renovated Tourist Information counter comprises brilliant red and white color in harmony with bright and natural light installations, eco-friendly architectural design and thoughtful equipment, which together creates a sense of cozy home for visitors. Overflowing with Portuguese aroma, the black-and-white brick floor in wave patterns manifests Macau's unique cultural background. A 1.7-meter x 3-meter mega LED screen is installed at the back area of the information counter to show MGTO's promotional videos and photos as well as related videos during major events and festivals. A light box is set up for event posters and so on at the information counter's glass wall which faces the entrance of the ferry terminal.

Modern design shows thoughtfulness
The open-style design enables the service counter at Tourist Information to make better use of the available space than before. The service counter is equipped with three multi-media interactive screens for visitors to search for travel information they need, including restaurants and snack shops, hotels and guest houses, heritage and culture, walking routes, map, leisure and entertainment, shopping, locations with free-wifi service and mobile apps for download, etc. One of the interactive screens is designed for disabled visitors. Visitors can also instantly send any information about tourist spots or facilities to their own mailbox via e-mail. In the near future, the QR Code function will also be available for visitors to scan QR codes by using their Smartphone with camera function and directly link to the related websites.

Moreover, two vertical multi-media interactive screens are installed outside the Tourist Information counter for 24-hour operation so that visitors can obtain useful travel information at the Tourist Information counter during non-office hours as well. One of the vertical screens offers monthly event highlights from "What's On" publication as well as other choices of leisure and entertainment in town such as family fun and spa; whereas the other screen shows event posters and typhoon news during the time when typhoon is hoisted in Macau. All the multi-media interactive screens provide information in English, Portuguese, Traditional and Simplified Chinese language, while the "What's On" news is available in English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese.

In line with the traditional way of material obtainment, display racks are set up at both sides of the service counter at Tourist Information to hold tourism brochures, promotion flyers and publications for visitors to choose any printed materials they need easily. Another computer screen is present at the counter to show real-time information at various border ports provided by Public Security Police Force. A storage room and a staff working room are located at the rear of Tourist Information counter as well; the latter is for staff to handle daily internal duties.

MGTO currently operates eight Tourist Information counters for visitors to obtain Macau travel info, six of which are located at different locations in Macau including Ritz Building at Senado Square, Macau Ferry Terminal, Barrier Gate, Macau International Airport, Macau Fisherman's Wharf and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal while the other two counters are situated at Hong Kong International Airport and Shun Tak Center in Hong Kong. Last year MGTO's Tourist Information counters attended to over 1.27 million visitor enquiries. MGTO will begin other renovation projects at Tourist Information counters this year.

In addition, MGTO has been providing visitors with Macau travel information through a variety of channels including MGTO's website, travel guide, free monthly publication "What's On", audio guiding service and mobile applications, etc.

In the future, the Office will keep optimizing its tourist information facilities to ensure visitors can promptly obtain useful travel tips prior to their trip and during their stay in Macau.