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Today, Macau is more than just a destination for gaming and entertainment. In the last two years or so, Macau has transformed into a much sought after holiday destination with a wider appeal. Macau now attracts young couples, families and even the business tourism market. Macau is about unique culture; it’s about colourful festivals and events; about heritage; about food; and good, fun as well as the traditional appeal of gaming. Underlining this change in appeal, Macau was added to UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List in 2005. Twenty-five of Macau’s landmarks form The Historic Centre of Macau and give the destination a world class level of appeal. The unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese architecture makes it like no other city in Asia. Last year, some 82,300 visitors from Singapore enjoyed the delights of this Special Administration Region of China – representing a growth of about 80 percent over the number in 2004 and one of its fastest growing markets. International visitors that year climbed 12 percent to a record of 18.7 million. In order to share this message with all in Singapore and to attract an even higher visitorship, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) in Singapore is organizing a ‘Step into Macau’ event at CHIJMES from 28 to 30th April 2006 between 11.00 am and 6.00 pm daily. The Macau fair promises a whole range of exciting events ranging from cultural performances and sampling of Macanese snacks to fun activities for the children like face painting, art competitions and even a mini-motorcar ‘Grand Prix’. Appearances by local radio celebrities over the three-day event will add a glam factor. Some 25 air-tickets on Tiger Airways will be given away to visitors at special lucky draws held at the fair – this amounts to practically one ticket being given away every hour! More attractive and uniquely Macanese prizes await visitors in the spin and win contest and by guessing the number of cookie boxes stuffed into a specially decorated ‘Macau Taxi’. The fair will also showcase some of the attractions of Macau like the Macau Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf and some soon to open Integrated Resorts like the Wynn Resort and Galaxy Starworld. And for those that are convinced on making Macau their next holiday destination, a select group of travel agents will be on hand to take travel bookings at a special, not-to-be missed, price! MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes said, “this is one of the biggest ever consumer promotions to be held by us in Singapore. It is a reflection of our optimism in further growth of visitorship from this market. We also want to share the message that Macau is fast becoming an attractive, world-class destination which is just a short flight away from Singapore and a perfect, quick holiday getaway”. He added that, “this is also a special time to visit as the Macau Government Tourist Office has designated 2006 as Macau World Heritage Year”.
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Statistics and Census Service announced that the Composite CPI for March 2006 was 106.63, down by 0.12% over the previous month. The decrease was mainly attributable to the price discount offered in long-distance call (IDD), price reduction in the seasonal sales of men’s and women’s clothing, lower prices of fresh flowers and outbound package tours; therefore, the indices of Communication; Clothing & footwear; and Recreation & culture fell by 4.36%, 0.97% and 0.64% respectively. On the other hand, the increase in rentals for housing and higher gasoline prices led to the increase in the indices of Housing & fuels (+0.67%); and Transport (+0.30%). Composite CPI for March 2006 registered a year-on-year increase of 5.19%. For the 12 months ended March 2006, the average Composite CPI increased by 4.96% over the previous period. In addition, the CPI-A and CPI-B for March 2006 were 107.52 and 106.41, which decrease by 0.15% and 0.10% compared with February. In comparison with the same period of 2005, Composite CPI for the first quarter of 2006 rose by 5.48%, with notable increase in the indices of Housing & fuels (+13.38%); and Education (+9.31%). Starting from January 2006, the CPI has been rebased to July 2004 to June 2005, apart from the compilation of the Composite CPI that reflects the impacts of price changes for the general population, two indices are compiled to show the influences of price changes for households in different expenditure ranges. The CPI-A relates to about 49% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP 3,000 to MOP 9,999; the CPI-B relates to about 31% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP 10,000 to MOP 19,999.
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Information from Statistics and Census Service showed that visitor arrivals reached a total of 1,812,699 in March 2006, representing a year-on-year increase of 18.2%. Visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong grew 26.2% and 7.1% respectively, whereas those form Taiwan, China dropped 3.7%. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 52.5% of the total arrivals, at 951,060. Visitors came mainly from Mainland China (57.6% of the total), Hong Kong (28.7%) and Taiwan, China (6.8%). Among those from Mainland China, 525,880 (50.4%) arrived in Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. In the first quarter of 2006, visitor arrivals totalled 5,248,018, a 17.7% increase over the same period of last year. Visitors from Mainland China rose 19.8% to 2,977,763, which accounted for 56.7% of the total arrivals; those from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China shared 30.4% and 6.3% respectively. Furthermore, same-day visitors made up 52.5% of the total, at 2,753,868. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitors arrived by sea increased 18.7% to 1,890,662 in the first quarter of 2006, with 1,789,355 arriving at the Outer Harbour (+15.5%); the majority of these visitors were from Hong Kong (58.2%) and Mainland China (30.9%). Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour leaped 131.8% to 101,307 while 60.6% were from Mainland China. At the same time, visitors arriving through the Border Gate rose 27.0% to 3,072,237. The majority of the visitors came from Mainland China (75.0%) and Hong Kong (17.6%). In addition, visitor arrivals by air were 285,119, up 16.8% compared with the same period of last year, with 282,092 arrived at the Macao International Airport (+16.8%). Visitors from Taiwan, China (53.6%) and Mainland China (20.7%) were the major users of this access.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, has disclosed that the Government had initiated studies on the future diversification of the overall economic structure of Macao. Mr Ho was speaking to reporters during his visit to Hainan to attend the opening session of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2006, where he also met with the Vice President, Mr Zheng Qinghong, last Friday. Mr Ho said he had briefed the Vice President on recent developments and the idea to adequately diversify Macao’s economy while maintaining its advantages. He said Mr Zheng told him that the Central Government, with constant support for Macao’s development, also hoped that the whole society, especially the industrial and business sectors, could contribute to the stability and the moderate diversification of Macao’s overall economy. Mr Ho said that the studies could come up with suggestions between six to 12 months and he hoped that a consensus could be reached among different sectors of the society, especially among the industrial and business sectors in capitalising on the Central Government’s support and to make adjustments that would enable the moderate diversification of the economy. He said diversification was a long-term goal and the necessary route for Macao’s sustainable development: the SAR Government anticipated active participation of the industry and business sectors, and would co-ordinate policies and resources to make way for that. He said it would take years for these efforts to bear fruit and this generation should lay the foundation and create necessary conditions for the future. On tourism, Mr Ho said Sanya City had much tourism recourses that were complementary to Macao and, as members of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, there were great potentials in tourism co-operation between Macao and Hainan. On Sunday evening, Mr Ho met with the Secretary of CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Xiaofeng, both sides agreed that Macao and Hainan could complement one another in tourism. During his visit, Mr Ho also met with the Governor of Hainan Province, Mr Wei Liucheng; and the Mayor of Sanya City, Mr Lu Zhiyuan.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, met with the Governor of Hainan Province, Mr Wei Liucheng on the sidelines of the Boao Forum which opened today on Hainan island. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed means to strengthen Hainan-Macao co-operation under the framework of the Pan-Pearl River Delta regional co-operation agreement, particularly in tourism where they could complement one another. Both expressed the will to expand existing co-operation. Also present at the meeting was the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam, and the Vice Governor of Hainan, Mr Chen Cheng.
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The Vice President, Mr Zeng Qinghong, met with the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah in Hainan this morning, and expressed his interest when briefed on the latest developments in Macao. Mr Zeng also said he was pleased that the Macao Government and the business delegation was actively participating in the Boao conference, and at similar conferences in the past years. Mr Ho, who is leading an official delegation to Hainan to attend the BFA Annual Conference 2006 tomorrow, gave Mr Zeng an update on the general situation in Macao. Mr Ho said though the overall development of Macao was desirable, various issues might occur during the process. The government would have to overcome these challenges and to execute policies according to the instructions of the Central Government, he said. Mr Zeng heard the report by Mr Ho and said he agreed on the work and the concept of adequate diversification of Macao’s economy. Mr Ho also expressed his heartfelt appreciation towards the Central Government for having included Macao in “The 11th National Five-year Plan”. Also present at today’s meeting were the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Liao Hui; the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Wu Dawei; the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhang Xiaoming; the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen; and the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On. Mr Zeng will meet with Mr Ho and the visiting business delegation in the evening. The BFA Annual Conference 2006, with the theme of "New Opportunities of Asia: Driving Growth to the Next Level," will be held between April 21 and 23. This is the fourth year of the BFA. The first BFA annual conference was held in April 2002.
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Nearly a hundred international and Mainland media ended their 5-day visit in Macau today. Media representatives from different markets expressed their great impression about Macau. The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) indicated that the success of the Mega Media Familiarization Trip would help to lift the international profile of Macau. Director Antunes of MGTO expressed that organizing such a large-scale media familiarization trip this time was one of the major components of the promotional campaign for “Macau World Heritage Year”. This trip allowed the media to experience the world heritage, as well as new tourism products and facilities in Macau. Their positive feedback will help to promote tourism of Macau and further increase the fame of Macau internationally. Antunes added that after the “VISA Treasure Hunt II”, MGTO would launch another consumer promotion during the second half of the year - the “World Heritage Passport”. While continuing to actively promote the heritage and tourism industry of Macau though different types of promotional activities, MGTO will work closely with related departments, tourism trade and associations to enhance the service quality of the industry. Before returning to their home towns, members of the familiarization group shared their thoughts about Macau. Media representatives from Thailand and Taiwan, China believed that Macau is a place good enough for 3-4 days visit. Taiwan Times journalist, Chang Chao-Lin said that Macau has both modern and historical architectures, and the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures makes him feel the passion. Peerawat Jariyasombat of Bangkok Post expressed that there are still many more treasures to be found in Macau. Zhang Lixin, Head of Channel of China National Radio is a first-time visitor to Macau. She expressed that she thought of Macau as a place for leisure but in reality it is a vibrant city with busy traffic. She gave a good appraisal to Macau for having preserved Chinese traditions through cuisines, clothings and architecture; moreover, the street circuit and the Macau Grand Prix with over 50 years of history astonished her. It is also the first time for Kris Min, writer of Korea Travel Times to come to Macau, and he has a different opinion about it. He believed that Macau will become a commercial and trade business centre. Kris Min visits Las Vegas four times a year and he found that Macau has the cultural characteristics of the East and West and that makes the difference. Media representatives from the USA and Australia both love the natural scenery of the islands. American travel writer Joy Hepp speaks Spanish and she feels genial when seeing Portuguese road signs and illustrations. She expressed that the passion and hospitality of the people in Macau gave her a good impression and believed that the Macau tourism industry will have a bright future. Veteran reporter and feature writer of Mice.net Magazine, Bev Malazard indicated that Macau has changed a lot compared with the past few years, and the large-scale tourism projects in COTAI area are astounding. The opening of the project will boost the future development of Macau. She believed that World Heritage and the gaming industry are equally important for Macau, and at the same time, the charm and friendliness make foreign visitors feel at ease. Bev added that the establishment of the Macau Business Tourism Centre by MGTO showed the determination and sincerity of Macau to expand the business tourism sector. There is much big room for the Macau tourism industry to develop but she hopes that the process will not sacrifice the valuable history and the natural beauty of the destination. Every year, MGTO receives familiarization groups from different sectors, many of which are media representatives from all over the world. Members of the groups will share their first hand experiences gained in Macau with the target source markets when they return home. The media participating in the familiarization trip this time range from long-haul markets to the nearby region, and the trip will arm them with knowledge about the city’s heritage as well as new tourism products that would enable them to promote Macau’s cultural and business tourism in their home markets.
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Protecting the rights of local workers so that they would share the benefits from Macao's economic development would be of prime importance when the government studied the issue of labour importation, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. Speaking to reporters at the airport before departing for a visit to Hainan, Mr Ho said labour importation was a sensitive issue for the community. Therefore, the government had revised the relevant regulations, which would be announced in due course, to help meeting the demands of the labour sector. He said importation of labour was inevitable during the development process of Macao, and that the Government would speed up revision of prevailing regulations to combat illegal workers and at the same time strengthen the administration of foreign labour. It is the Government's duty to protect the rights of local labour, as well as promoting the development of the society, and meet the needs of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, is scheduled to visit Qionghai, Hainan tomorrow to attend the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2006 on Saturday. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Mr Wei Liucheng, the Governor of Hainan Province, and visit Sanya and Haikou, two cities in the southernmost island province of China. The BFA Annual Conference 2006, titled ''New Opportunities of Asia: Driving Growth to the Next Level'', will be held this Saturday and Sunday, with political leaders, businessmen, experts and scholars worldwide to discuss issues such as the reform and opening of China's banking system, energy prices, the future of Internet in China and other topics in the economic and financial areas. Mr Ho's delegation includes the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen; the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On; the President of the Administrative Committee of Macao Foundation, Mr Vitor Ng; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Supporting Office to the Secretariat of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Cooperation Forum (Macao), Ms Rita Botelho dos Santos; and the Executive Director of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Cheong Chou Weng. The Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, will be Acting Chief Executive while Mr Ho is away.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) and the Ministry of Transport of Malaysia (MOT Malaysia) held air consultations in Putrajaya on 20 April 2006 to discuss the enhancement of the air transport market between the two places. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and generated satisfactory results with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding. The signatories were the President of AACM, Mr. Chan Weng Hong and the Secretary General of MOT Malaysia, Dato’ Hj. Muhd Safaruddin Hj. Muhd Sidek. The bilateral air services agreement and the old Memorandum of Understanding between Macao and Malaysia were signed in 1995. According to the old Memorandum, the capacity was limited to 7 flights per week by each side and the number of beyond points was limited to 2. With the new Memorandum, it creates more advantageous conditions to the development of both passenger and air cargo market between the two sides: no limitation on frequency, the type of aircraft used and the number of beyond points, and exercise of full fifth freedom rights. Malaysia has always been a popular tourist destination for both the Macao and Hong Kong residents. With the success of the Macau International Airport in attracting the low cost carrier, AirAsia, to operate services between Macao and Kuala Lumpur, the air transport market between the two places has been enhanced. Together with the opening up of the individual traveling market from the mainland, in addition to the increase in the number of Macao residents traveling to Malaysia, the number of people from Hong Kong and the mainland who visit Malaysia via Macao has also increased. On the other hand, the number of tourists from Malaysia traveling to Macao has greatly risen. In accordance with the data from the Statistics and Census Bureau, the number of tourists from Malaysia coming to Macao was increased from 48,391 in 2004 to 98,450 in 2005, a rise of more than a double. The 2005 figure also ranked the highest in terms of the number of tourists from Southeast Asian countries to Macao. Due to the fact that the old capacity no longer met the demand, AACM and MOT Malaysia met in November last year in Macao to discuss the development of the air transport market between the two places. Both sides agreed that there was a need to renew the old Memorandum of Understanding. At present, AirAsia provides 2 daily flights between Macao and Kuala Lumpur. The airline is planning to operate 1 daily flight between Macao and Kota Kinabalu starting July this year. In addition to government officials from AACM and MOT Malaysia, representatives from the airlines and the airports in Malaysia also participated in the meeting.
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