The Qingmao Port, linking the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Guangdong Province, has implemented a series of measures to facilitate the smooth passage of tourists during the National Day holiday as it braces for a large influx of inbound and outbound travelers.
The seven-day National Day holiday, starting on October 1 and known as "Golden Week," is one of China's largest annual public holidays.
The Qingmao Port serves as a key hub in the interconnected network of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Thanks to events like fireworks displays, food festivals, and concerts held in the Greater Bay Area during this year's National Day holiday, the number of travelers passing through the Qingmao Port, which operates 24 hours a day, has significantly increased over the holiday compared to regular days.
During the National Day holiday, Macao's tourism market remained vibrant, with major landmarks experiencing a surge in visitor numbers. Exciting performances, local specialties, and a strong festive atmosphere enabled tourists to experience Macao's unique urban charm.
According to the data released by the Macao SAR Government Tourism Office, the tourism market in Macao performed well during the National Day holiday.
Data showed that from October 1 to 5, over 790,000 inbound travelers visited Macao, averaging more than 158,500 daily. On October 2 and 3, the number of inbound travelers reached 166,100 and 174,300, respectively, setting new single-day records for inbound travelers in Macao during the National Day holiday for two consecutive days.
"To actively respond to the peak travel flow during the National Day holiday, the Qingmao Border Inspection Station has organized staff deployment in a scientific way, strengthened allocation of police forces, and enhanced coordination and communication with the Macao police based on changes in passenger flow, to ensure safe and smooth passage of inbound and outbound travelers," said Peng Jia, director of the Border Inspection Division of the Qingmao Border Inspection Station, Zhuhai General Station of Exit-Entry Frontier Inspection.
Every year during the National Day holiday, the Qingmao Port experiences one of its busiest periods. From October 1 to October 4 this year, over 420,000 travelers passed through the port, marking a 10 percent increase year over year.
Land port linking Macao, Guangdong take measures to facilitate smooth passage of tourists
Travelers to Lebanon are seeking a quick and secure way out of the country, as Israel ramps up its attacks on Hezbollah. Governments worldwide have also facilitated evacuations, encouraging their citizens to leave before the situation worsens.
Annika finally made it to the airport in Beirut. She was supposed to leave next week, but the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants shortened her stay. Now, the only thing on her mind is getting back home.
"It's horrible. And you have drones flying over your house and things like that. I didn't feel afraid, but I also have to leave in the future for work, and I don't know, it's so insecure. Maybe I don't want to stay here for another few weeks," said Annika, a traveler leaving Lebanon.
Although everything seemed calm and far away for the first few days, the scene changed quickly in Beirut. Israeli airstrikes intensified, causing many to flee as fast as they could.
"I'm very worried because you don't know what can happen from day to day. You're living like second to second. You don't know what's going to happen. And it's very, very stressful. And this has to come to an end, you know? So, it's time. It's time to go," said Tania, another traveler leaving Lebanon.
The fighting, which has escalated over the past few weeks, has forced the evacuation of thousands of tourists and people with dual citizenship, leaving many scrambling to the airport to secure any available flight in an atmosphere of ongoing strikes. Governments have stepped in to assist with these evacuations, using various channels to reach those who need help.
"We have been using social media a lot to get the message out. [For] our foreign minister, prime minister, and the embassy here in Lebanon, we have been putting out on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Instagram the message that the crisis is here, you need to leave now as soon as possible. And still some don't get the message. But we're getting there, because we've got a good pick-up today, we're getting close to 500 people out on two assisted departures to Cyprus today. And we'll probably continue that for a few days," said Andrew Barnes, Australian ambassador to Lebanon.
The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Australia have all sent government representatives to Beirut to help people who want to leave or need support. Though the first couple of days were chaotic, as many were fleeing, the evacuation now seems to be proceeding steadily. Although Beirut and its airport are still relatively safe, governments urge their citizens to leave before things worsen.
"We've been dealing with this crisis for a while now, and our government has been urging Australians in Lebanon to return home because we were fearful that the situation could escalate. Now it has escalated badly and we are urging all Australians to come to the airport and get on a flight. There are still flights going, the airports still open. They need to leave now because we don't know how the crisis might escalate," Barnes said.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has intensified its airstrikes against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, causing great civilian casualties and forcing residents in many areas to leave their homes. It has also launched what it describes as a "limited" ground operation in Lebanon.
Countries facilitate citizens' evacuation from Lebanon as fighting intensifies
