Macao's tourism carrying capacity will approach its maximum limit in three to four years, according to an official survey disclosed on Friday.

Entrusted by the Macao Secretariat for Social and Cultural Affairs, the Macao Institute of Tourism Study conducted the tourism evaluation program based on tourism industry statistics as well as perceptions of residents and tourists on the quality of life and traveling experiences in Macao while taken consideration of the city's environmental, social and psychological indicators.

The result showed that Macao's visitor carrying capacity is about 43,000 visitors per day, or 15.7 million per year, said Dr. Leonardo A.N. Dioko with the institute, who led the survey program.

Tourist arrivals to Macao surpassed 10 million for the first time last year. Given the present rate of growth, Macao's tourism will approach the limit within three to four years, said Dioko.

The survey was conducted by polling 1,800 residents and tourists before, during and after the National Day golden-week travel heat at the beginning of October. During the period, the highest daily tourist arrivals went up to 42,966, which was recorded on September 26.

The National Day was the first travel season after the mainland's facilitated individual travel policy on Hong Kong and Macao-bounded tours came into force since July, which was piloted in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province.

Macao's present hotel facilities can accommodate 13,647 guests per day, while 6,375 hotel rooms in construction can be expected to be addressed promptly to the need.

Dioko said that the institute will update the assessment in response to the city's changing tourist carrying level to provide a reference for the government's tourism forecast.

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2003)