Hengqin turns empty buildings into hotels
Hengqin, the mainland Chinese island located next to Macao, has introduced a new series of policies aimed at boosting development in its hotel industry.
According to an official announcement published last Thursday, buildings originally intended for commercial, cultural, creative, high-tech and scientific research purposes can also become hotels if they can offer at least 50 independent rooms and provide space across multiple consecutive floors.
Applicants may submit their applications for a minimum duration of eight years, provided that the hotel’s operating period does not exceed the applicable land use term. Extensions may be requested up to three months before the eight-year period ends.
These policies, which will be effective over the next two years, come following the introduction of Hengqin-Macao’s multiple entry visas, which allow mainland Chinese travellers to explore Macao while returning to Hengqin each night for cheaper accommodation and are expected to result in increased demand for hotels across the island.