From January 2009 Macau travel agencies will be allowed to set up wholly owned branches in mainland China’s neighbouring Guangdong province, according to local media reports.
It means that Macau travel agencies approved by the Guangdong provincial government will be able to sell tour services through their wholly owned Guangdong-based travel agencies to Chinese mainland tour groups.
The rule relaxation is part of the fifth phase of CEPA, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between China and its Special Administrative Regions. CEPA is designed to encourage gradual integration of the SARs with the mainland economy.
Joint ventures between Macau companies and Guangdong travel agents will also be possible under the rules.