Money Cat's blog

AP is carrying a story concerning the impact of Macau tourism (and gaming) on that great institution of Hong Kong gaming -- the 124-year-old Hong Kong Jockey Club, whose racetrack revenues are one of the secrets of the territory's economic success.

According to AP, the new competitors are draining away at least $2.4 billion a year in potential betting revenue, or about 20 percent of last year's take.

>>read the full story

The pound is falling, shares are collapsing, mortgages are rising, pay increases are being capped and city bonuses deflated - while the price of fuel and food has soared. If you can afford a holiday at all this year, you'll probably be keeping a careful eye on your budget.

Good thing the Telegraph has put together a list of 50 ways to a cheaper holiday!

>>read the full story

The TimesOnline advises readers to "Bet on Macau" for 2008, naming the island enclave as one its top picks for the up coming year. Expect to see Macau on a number of this years travel picks as the rest of the world wakes up to the potential.

>>read the original article

The Venetian's new ferry service is slated to kick off on November 30th.

The 411-seat, double-deck Cotai Strip CotaiJets will go from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal direct to the new terminal in Taipa, bypassing the old ferry terminal on the Macau peninsula.

While the new service may not be popular with its old school competitors, you can bet that the tourists won't be complaining. So come on over to Macau; it's never been easier.

Money Cat says: Get your butt on the boat!

The South China Morning Post is reporting today on the ongoing woes of Macau's over-tasked ferry system. The transportation demand resulting from today's Pete Sampras / Roger Federer tennis match has exceeded ferry capacity to/from Hong Kong. Ferries are sold out and a number of ticket holders and un-suspecting tourists are stuck.

This newest problem comes right on the heels of the problems experienced after the Macau Grand Prix and the recent Black-Eyed Peas concert, which found many people unexpectedly having to spend an extra night in Macau due to lack of space on the ferries.