Macau: Ferry operator TurboJET eyes collaboration with casinos to boost traveler influx

Macau ferry operator TurboJET has expressed its intention to collaborate with casino operators in non-gaming areas, such as concerts, to attract travelers from Hong Kong.

Talking to Macao Daily News, Wong Man-chung, a spokesperson for the company, said TurboJET was operating at half its pre-Covid capacity due to a combination of factors including a shortage of manpower and the limited resumption of services.

TurboJET has seen a notable increase in sailings since January last year, with over 60 sailings now available on a daily basis compared to just 16 previously. During daytime hours, departures occur every half an hour, while the interval extends to an hour for nighttime services.

“TurboJET has been facing the problem of an aging workforce. Some employees have retired after the end of Covid, and some have already transitioned to other sectors after internal training,” Wong was quoted as saying in the report.

To address the issue of manpower shortage, TurboJET is not only engaged in headhunting efforts but also intends to launch internal training programs aimed at cultivating new talent.

According to data from the Statistics and Census Service, Macau welcomed nearly 8.9 million tourists in the first quarter of the year, with over 12 percent arriving by sea. To capitalize on this influx of travelers, TurboJET recently launched a flash sale promotion for the May Day holiday, offering return tickets for as low as MOP25 ($3.11).