Macao and Hengqin Open Doors to Indonesian Travel Delegation Under New 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Since 5 November 2025, the National Immigration Administration has officially designated Hengqin (Zhuhai) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as key ports of entry under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The move marks a significant step in simplifying border-crossing procedures and promoting multi-destination tourism within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In a strategic collaboration to leverage this new policy, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin invited ten tourism representatives from the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) for a five-day familiarization and exchange trip from 14 to 18 December 2025.

The initiative aims to provide Indonesian travel professionals with firsthand experience of the convenience and opportunities offered by the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, while showcasing Macao and Hengqin as complementary destinations for international travelers. The program emphasizes the development of twin-destination tourism products and the deepening of regional cooperation between Macao, Hengqin, and the Greater Bay Area.

Arrival and Exploration of Macao’s Tourism Highlights

The delegation, departing from Jakarta via Air Macau, arrived at Macau International Airport and immediately embarked on a comprehensive exploration of Macao’s tourism assets. Their itinerary covered iconic attractions such as the Historic Centre of Macao, the Macao Grand Prix Museum, MinMPlaza, Hotel Central, and the W Macau at Studio City. Delegates experienced the city’s “tourism +” appeal, which blends cultural heritage, entertainment, gastronomy, and innovative technology.

A highlight of the visit was “Light up Macao 2025,” an immersive light installation, and the multimedia spectacle “Macau 2049,” which integrates Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage with cutting-edge visual technology. Additional experiences included teamLab SuperNature Macao and a city-wide open-top bus tour, offering delegates a panoramic view of Macao’s vibrant urban landscape. Culinary exploration was equally rich, featuring Portuguese egg tart baking sessions and sampling a wide array of delicacies, from Halal cuisine to Macanese and traditional Chinese hotpot, reinforcing Macao’s reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

To further promote industry collaboration, MGTO hosted a business luncheon, facilitating networking between the Indonesian delegates and local tourism stakeholders to explore potential partnerships and business opportunities.

Visa-Free Transit Experience in Hengqin

Following their stay in Macao, the delegation moved to Hengqin Port to witness the new 240-hour visa-free transit policy in action. A representative from the Public Security Police Force provided an overview of border-crossing procedures for Indonesian and international visitors, detailing the layout and operational advantages of Hengqin Port. Delegates then crossed into the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, experiencing firsthand the ease of travel under the new measure.

In Hengqin, the itinerary included visits to prominent theme parks such as Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and Chimelong Spaceship, where the group enjoyed international circus performances and fireworks displays. Cultural attractions were also highlighted, including the Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Museum and Sumlodol Camping Town. Delegates toured various hotels and tourism facilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of Hengqin’s rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure. The delegation concluded their five-day journey by departing from Guangzhou’s Baiyun International Airport back to Indonesia on 18 December.

Indonesia-Macao Tourism Collaboration Strengthened

Indonesia is currently Macao’s sixth-largest visitor market. Between January and October 2025, Macao welcomed 163,475 Indonesian visitors, representing a 15.5% year-on-year increase. MGTO’s active engagement with the Indonesian travel industry, including participation in ASTINDO Travel Fairs in Jakarta earlier this year and hosting the “Experience Macao Mega Sale” event in October, has solidified the relationship between the two regions.

The recent delegation visit demonstrates how Macao and Hengqin are harnessing the 240-hour visa-free transit policy to create more seamless, multi-destination travel experiences for international markets. By providing professional travel operators with direct exposure to the benefits of the policy and the full range of attractions and amenities, MGTO is laying the groundwork for the promotion of twin-destination tourism products and enhanced regional connectivity.

Future Prospects for Greater Bay Area Tourism

Looking ahead, MGTO plans to maintain close collaboration with the Public Security Police Force and regional partners across China to maximize the potential of the 240-hour visa-free transit measure. The familiarization visit underscores Macao’s commitment to becoming a world center of tourism and leisure while fostering coordinated tourism development across the Greater Bay Area. By facilitating international visitor growth and strengthening industry partnerships, Macao and Hengqin are positioning themselves as premier destinations for multi-destination tourism, catering to evolving market demands and expanding international outreach.

This initiative is not only a step forward in enhancing convenience for travelers but also a strategic move to stimulate cross-border tourism collaboration, enrich visitor experiences, and drive sustainable growth in one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism hubs.

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Thailand Welcomes Kazakh Tourists with SCAT Airlines’ New Shymkent-Bangkok Route

In a significant move to bolster tourism and strengthen international air links, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently celebrated the press launch of SCAT Airlines’ new Shymkent–Bangkok service. This initiative marks a key milestone in enhancing direct connectivity between Thailand and Kazakhstan, reflecting the growing importance of the Central Asia market to Thailand’s tourism sector.

The event saw the participation of prominent dignitaries and industry leaders, including H.E. Mr. Margulan Baimuhan, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand; Ms. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing covering Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa; and Mr. Nikolay Buryakov, Commercial Director of SCAT Airlines. Their presence underscored the critical role of public–private collaboration in expanding Thailand’s international air services and promoting mutual economic and cultural ties.

Thailand’s appeal as a premier long-haul destination was emphasized during the launch. Ms. Chiravadee highlighted the country’s diverse offerings, noting that Thailand’s rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes continue to captivate Kazakhstani travellers. “From sacred temples to world-renowned cuisine and stunning coastal vistas, Thailand provides unforgettable experiences at every hour,” she remarked. She also extended gratitude to SCAT Airlines for its close collaboration with the TAT Moscow Office, which played a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth commencement of the Shymkent–Bangkok route.

The new service will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with 180 economy seats. Flight DV469 touches down in Bangkok at 04:30 Hrs., while the return journey, DV470, departs at 05:40 Hrs. The inaugural flight on 16 December 2025 welcomed 140 passengers to Thailand’s capital, signaling strong initial demand for direct travel between the two cities.

The Shymkent–Bangkok route complements an already expanding network of Thailand–Kazakhstan air links, which includes SCAT Airlines and Air Astana services from Almaty and Astana to Bangkok and Phuket, as well as AirAsia flights connecting Almaty to Bangkok. This comprehensive network enhances travel flexibility and facilitates easier access to Thailand’s key tourism hubs, supporting growth in visitor numbers and encouraging wider regional connectivity.

Kazakhstan remains a strategically significant source market for Thailand. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, annual arrivals from Kazakhstan averaged 50,000–60,000 tourists. Post-pandemic recovery has been remarkable, with Thailand welcoming 172,489 Kazakh visitors in 2023—a year-on-year increase of 189%—followed by 195,089 visitors in 2024, reflecting further growth of 13.10%. In the period from 1 January to 14 December 2025, Thailand received 152,783 visitors from Kazakhstan, driven by expanded flight options, eased visa access, and sustained destination promotion efforts. These figures underscore the strong and resilient demand for Thailand among Central Asian travellers.

SCAT Airlines has strategically expanded its international footprint in recent years, adding more than ten new destinations across Asia and Europe in 2025. Operating from Shymkent International Airport, the airline’s growing fleet, in collaboration with Boeing, prioritizes safety, passenger comfort, and reliable connectivity. The introduction of the Shymkent–Bangkok service is expected to strengthen cultural exchange, tourism flows, and economic collaboration between Thailand and Kazakhstan, solidifying Thailand’s reputation as a preferred destination for Central Asian travellers.

By opening new routes and facilitating smoother international travel, Thailand continues to reinforce its position as a leading long-haul destination. The launch of direct flights from Shymkent not only boosts convenience for Kazakh travellers but also contributes to broader tourism development strategies, creating opportunities for regional cooperation, investment, and sustainable growth in Thailand’s tourism sector.

With enhanced air connectivity, Thailand is poised to welcome more visitors from Central Asia, offering unique experiences that blend rich heritage, natural beauty, and modern hospitality. The Shymkent–Bangkok route exemplifies the country’s commitment to accessible, high-quality travel while fostering stronger bilateral relations and cultural understanding between the two nations.

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