Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) investigated 1,795 premises to combat illegal accommodation under “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” law in force since 2010

2013-08-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” came into force on August 13, 2010, the interdepartmental working team has been dedicated to fighting against illegal accommodation for 3 years and will keep going.

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is highly concerned with the problem of illegal accommodation. Early this year, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Deputy Director Manuel Pires visited ZAPE and Macau Northern District to examine the progress of fighting illegal accommodation and promote the related measures against it. Senna Fernandes remarked that combating illegal accommodation is a long-term operation and the office will persist in taking action with further promotion among visitors and apartment owners, joining hands with the community to crack down on illegal accommodation.

The law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” has been in force for 3 years. During past operation, MGTO constantly evaluated and summarized the effects, accumulating fair experience in effective law enforcement; in addition, the enforcement work achieved more striking results thanks to interdepartmental collaboration and concerted efforts in law enforcement, with achievement attributed especially to the police authorities’ active participation in response to social development and the evolving illegal means.

MGTO regularly holds work meetings with related associations and resident representatives of the affected communities, maintaining communication and collaboration through interactive exchange of ideas. The office appreciates the associations and apartment owners for contributing their opinions which facilitate the law enforcement remarkably.

MGTO launched a new array of promotion this year including new posters and promotion leaflets. Citizens and visitors can obtain the leaflets from major ports and MGTO information counters. MGTO published specific versions of posters and leaflets for visitors and apartment owners in order to target the message at each party; furthermore, the office produced brand-new promotional videos in Cantonese and Mandarin for broadcast on MGTO’s website as well as Hong Kong and Mainland media channels, advising visitors to stay in legal accommodation establishments.

Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” came into effect on August 13, 2010 up to date (August 12, 2013), MGTO investigated 1,795 premises in total and sealed 377 premises (including 6 premises that were sealed again) allegedly operated for provision of illegal accommodation. On the other hand, the office unsealed 310 premises and began 383 sanction proceedings.

MGTO received 1,328 reports against alleged premises up to date. Citizens can report any suspected case via the 24-hour hotline 2833 3000. Complainants can also log on to MGTO’s website (Chinese/English) http://www.macautourism.gov.mo and click the banner of “Online Complaint against Illegal Accommodation” to file a report.

e-mail: media@macautourism.gov.mo