News

As consumption by citizensand the number of inbound touristsare expectedto increaseduringLunar New Year,the Consumer Councilheld a meeting before the festivalwith Economic ServicesBureau (DSE), Macao Government Tourist Office (DST), Transport Bureau (DSAT), Judiciary Police (PJ), Public Security Police Force (PSP), Macao Custom Service, Civic and Municipal Affairs Council (IACM), Health Bureau (SS) and Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation (DSRT) to discuss on the protection of consumer rights for local citizens as well as inbound tourists. Until 9th February, 15 phone calls on complaints and enquiries from consumers were received by the Council. Consumer Council reminds consumers and tourists that if anyone finds his or her consumer rights being infringed, he or she should file a complaint at the Council or other departments and provide all necessary detailed information. Besides, the Council has assigned its staff to provide services to consumers through its hotline from9:00 to 18:00 during Chinese New Year holidays (6th to 10thFebruary). Consumer Council hotline: 8988 9315.
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Festive joy livens up the city as the Year of Monkey arrives. Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) sincerely wishes Macao citizens and visitors a wonderful New Year ahead filled with happiness, peace and good health. MGTO also wishes Macao tourism industry will march toward healthy, diversified and sustainable development, and Macao can achieve its goal to become a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”. Chinese New Year is an important traditional festival in Chinese culture. MGTO has gladly prepared a colorful range of festive celebrations for visitors and residents to enjoy in different local districts including “Parade of Gigantic Golden Dragon”, "Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Monkey", “Valentine's Day Fantasia 2016 – The Fairytale of Lights” and “Macao Hunt” WeChat game, promising a festive season filled with memorable moments. MGTO joined hands with Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and Cultural Affairs Bureau to present Spring Festival celebrations together at the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square on the first day of Lunar New Year (8 February), sharing the joy of Chinese New Year with local citizens and visitors. Last year Macao welcomed over 30 million visitors. During Spring Festival holidays, a great number of visitors are expected to enjoy their vacation in Macao from the Mainland and neighboring regions. Visitors of different nationalities also choose to visit Macao during this time of the year to experience the ambience of Chinese Spring festival. MGTO takes the opportunity to express New Year wishes to local citizens and visitors, to show warm hospitality of the destination. Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin; MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; President of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; Member of Administration Committee of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Isabel Celeste Jorge; MGTO Deputy Directors Cecilia Tse and Cheng Wai Tong officiated the eye-dotting ceremony for the golden dragon and dancing lions along with local trade representatives and other guests at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, and ignited firecrackers together at Senado Square to kick off the celebrations on the first morning of Lunar New Year. Following that, the guests joined the God of Fortune to distribute “Lai Si” and souvenirs to local residents and visitors at Senado Square, filling the area with joyful blessings. “Lai Si” given by the God of Fortune conveys the best wishes to Macao for a flourishing and prosperous year ahead. A 238-meter-long golden dragon led a parade across major tourist spots and demonstrated vigorous moves accompanied by vibrant young lions. Their lively performance bestows wishes that Macao will encounter myriad opportunities and achieve remarkable developments in the Year of Monkey. The Chinese zodiac animal “Monkey” symbolizes wisdom and auspiciousness, inspiring Macao residents to embrace new challenges with wisdom and creativity, and work together for a brighter future of Macao. MGTO keeps the tradition to distribute “Lai Si” to visitors during Lunar New Year. Starting on the first day of Lunar New Year, MGTO’s Tourist Information counters distribute “Lai Si” containing phrases of New Year blessings while stock lasts. Each “Lai Si” contains 10 cents for auspicious wishes. Dressed up in new outfits with Chinese and Portuguese traditional style, the five Tourism Ambassadors appear and wish local residents and visitors from around the world a Happy Chinese New Year. As another highlight, the eight performance groups for the "Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Monkey" from different countries and regions are giving performance in advance at various tourist spots on the first and second day of Lunar New Year. Among them, the performance groups from Japan, Portugal, Thailand and Hong Kong performed at Rua do Cunha and the Taipa Houses-Museum on Taipa, Largo Eduardo Marques (in front of Chapel of St. Francis Xavier on Coloane) and Iao Hon Market Garden on Macao Peninsula respectively on the first day of Lunar New Year. The groups from the United States, Malaysia, Spain and Korea will perform at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, A-Ma Temple on Macao Peninsula and Rua do Cunha on Taipa on the second day of Lunar New Year. Each round of performance lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. MGTO rolls out an array of activities during Lunar New Year. Citizens and visitors are welcome to browse MGTO’s website for the program: http://www.macaotourism.gov.mo. Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is also presenting the grand outdoor celebration event for Chinese New Year, known as the "Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Monkey", on the third day (10 February) and sixth day (13 February) of Lunar New Year. This year, the whole Parade will revolve around a story about the Monkey King, a famous character in a Chinese classical novel. A multimedia opening show will also kick off the Parade for the first time, promising an extravaganza of light and 3D effects. Similar to last year’s show, famous Hong Kong singers and celebrity hosts are invited to dazzle the Parade. A fireworks show is scheduled to take place on the third night of Lunar New Year, to wish local citizens and visitors a fantastic beginning in the Year of Monkey. Besides the dazzling float parade, MGTO also rolls out a prize-redemption game named “Macao Hunt” on WeChat from 1 to 28 February, guiding local residents and visitors to look out for golden monkeys along four designated walking tour routes under the theme “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities”, for a chance to win electronic coupons from merchants and enter a lucky draw. Additional locations of golden monkeys are also set up near each spectator seating area of the Parade on the 3rd night of Lunar New Year With Valentine’s Day falling on the period of Chinese New Year this year, MGTO specially presents “Valentine's Day Fantasia 2016 – The Fairytale of Lights” at the Taipa Houses-Museum area and numerous attractions nearby in Taipa from 7 – 29 February, offering a fascinating choice of leisure and entertainment for local residents and visitors. Coming into spotlight from 12 to 22 February, the 3D mapping show themed as “Cinderella’s Glass Slipper” will kindle a romantic vibe and let the warm ambience go on throughout this festive season. The Office will arrange staff to provide guidance and tourism information for visitors at ten major tourist attractions between the first and seventh day of Lunar New Year (8 – 14 February) while assisting in diverting visitors off the crowded areas. For local dining, visitors can find award-winning restaurants and eateries listed in the publication “Star Merchant Award" – Restaurants and Eateries Guide. MGTO has also published the "Macao Food Guide during Spring Festival" (Chinese version only) together with the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macau, the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, General Union of the Macau Neighborhood Association as well as the Industry and Commerce Federation of Islands of Macau. Offering a contact list of restaurants and eateries open during Chinese New Year, the handy food guide familiarizes visitors with operation information of relevant restaurants in Macao. During Lunar New Year, MGTO's Tourism Hotline 2833 3000 maintains its 24-hour operator service to answer visitor enquiries: http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/useful/hotline.php This press release is available at: http://industry.macaotourism.gov.mo
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During the Lunar New Year holidays ( February 6 to 10), the office of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) located at the China Plaza in Avenida Praia Grande will be closed. For those who wish to apply for "self- exclusion", they may continue to submit their applications through the casino or on their own through any one of the 19 “Responsible Gambling Information Kiosks” in Macau. (Kiosks locations refer to http://www.dicj.gov.mo/web/en/responsible/isolation/kiosks.html). As usual, the DICJ will have inspectors stationed in the casinos 24 hours to monitor the operation and to provide assistance to the public and visitors whenever necessary. If any assistance is required from the DICJ inspectors in the casino during February 6 and 10, aside from the usual way of contacting via the casino employees, the public and visitors can also contact the inspectors through hotline 66121323 during 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
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The Government would continue its steady efforts at economic diversification in the coming Year of the Monkey, and with the collective wisdom of the residents, Macao would accomplish greater social achievements, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On in his Lunar New Year Message. In the Lunar New Year the Government would step up efforts to maintain a sound and robust financial environment, and would weather internal and external challenges by working closely with people from all walks of life, said the Chief Executive in his message delivered today. The Government would, as always, prioritise projects that help to enhance the people’s quality of life and welfare, in a bid to make Macao an even more liveable city. Mr Chui said the Government would press ahead with policies to build a better Macao. These include: improving the livelihood of senior citizens and their care; creating a positive environment for young people to develop fully their potential; shaping an atmosphere in which children can grow up happily; and endeavouring to create more favourable conditions for leisure and working life in Macao. The Chief Executive added that all should share with their families and people in need the joy and warmth of this festive season. He extended his sincere gratitude to all those workers – in the private and public sectors – involved in keeping essential services operating during the holidays. On behalf of the Government, he wished everyone a happy, healthy and successful Year of the Monkey.
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The Government has expressed great concern regarding the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Kaohsiung, in the southern part of Taiwan, this morning. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his profound sympathy for those injured as a result of the earthquake. The Government is paying close attention to the latest developments in relation to the incident. It would also provide assistance to any Macao residents who have been affected by the earthquake in Taiwan. The Government would maintain close contact with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macao, as a source for updates of information, and as a route by which the Government can offer any assistance that might be needed.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is paying close attention to the earthquake that occurred today in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China, and maintaining close contact with the Macao Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan for further developments. From the information gathered through the Macao travel industry, until the present moment, there is no indication that any Macao resident has been affected. Until the present moment, GGCT has not received any request for information or assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000.
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A grand opening ceremony was held this morning (5 February) to kick off the Sapporo Snow Festival. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government Dr. Alexis Tam was invited to attend the opening ceremony as one of the officiating guests, and inspected various tourism promotion projects Macao has rolled out on the HBC Macao Square. Making a debut in this year’s Sapporo Snow Festival with Macao chosen as a feature destination, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is showcasing a snow sculpture of the Ruins of St. Paul’s at the center of the major event venue with a video projection mapping show. The Office also runs a Macao Café and a photo exhibition by a Macao artist based in Hokkaido, as well as hosted a gratitude dinner in the event. Besides the above highlights, the Office has invited a team from Macau Culinary Association to join the International Snow Sculpture Contest. The Ruins of St. Paul’s comes into the spotlight in Sapporo Snow Festival The Sapporo Snow Festival kicked off this morning (5 February) with an opening ceremony held on the HBC Macao Square located at 7 chome, the heart of Odori Site, the major venue of the Festival. The giant snow sculpture of the Ruins of St. Paul’s served as the key backdrop of the opening. Many Japanese citizens and international visitors stood in awe of the magnificent sculpture in the falling snow, enthralled by this masterpiece built with delicate artistry. At the opening today, Sapporo City Mayor, Katsuhiro Akimoto, mentioned that a total of 208 snow and ice statues in varying sizes are on display this year. Among them, the Ruins of St. Paul’s in snow, located at the main street and the opening venue, has become the icon of this edition. He also encouraged local citizens to travel to Macao. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government Dr. Alexis Tam, Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, and General Manager of MGTO Representative in Japan, Fumihiro Sakakibara, attended the opening ceremony among other guests. After the opening ceremony, Secretary Tam paid an inspection to different tourism promotion projects rolled out by MGTO specially for the Festival on the HBC Macao Square. Destination promotion in creative ways During the Snow Festival, MGTO will project a 3D video mapping show upon the snowy façade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s, to radiate the myriad sparks of Macao’s cultural heritage and events ignited by their synergistic effect. The 10 minute-long projections will dazzle the snow sculpture every half an hour, enchanting the audience with the beauty of Macao in a fairytale of winter wonderland. Next to the snow-carved Ruins of St. Paul’s, a romantic Macao Café is set up to serve heartwarming Macao delicacies and hot drinks for visitors this snowy winter. In this café filled with Portuguese aroma, guests can relish Macao’s signature flavor recreated by Japanese chef who specially travelled to Macao to gain culinary experience. Besides, MGTO has invited Macao artist Season Lao, born in the 80s and currently based in Hokkaido, to share with visitors stories about Macao through a display of his stunning photographs of Macao. In addition, MGTO has invited a team of three snow-carving artists from Macau Culinary Association to join the 43rd International Snow Sculpture Contest, another highlight of the Festival, on behalf of Macao. Led by Chairman of the Association Perry Yuan Kam Hung, the team has to carve a snow sculpture openly at 11 chome on Odori Site from 4 to 7 February, presenting a piece of artwork known as “Golden Lotus Flower Embraced by the Dragon”. Winners will be announced on site on 8 February followed by a prize-giving ceremony. The Macao SAR Government hosted a gratitude dinner in the evening. During the dinner, Secretary Tam remarked that the event was a great success and an enhancer for friendly cooperation and tourism connections between Japan and Macao in the future. Nearly 30 Japanese officials, executives of travel trade and the press attended the dinner upon invitation. Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sapporo, Sun Zhen Yong; Sapporo City Mayor, Katsuhiro Akimoto; Director of Department of Policy Planning and Coordination, Hokkaido Government, Hitoshi Kubota; Director General for Tourism, Hokkaido Government, Shinako Jin; Director General of Culture and Tourism Bureau, City of Sapporo, Masao Konishi; Chairman of Sapporo Tourist Association, Hisao Hoshino and President of Hokkaido Broadcasting Company, Takashi Watanabe, were present in the dinner among other guests.
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The Health Bureau has announced the opening hours for major health centres and for services at the Conde S. Januário Hospital during the Lunar New Year period (7 to 10 February inclusive). Health centres The following health centres will provide general outpatient services on a non-appointment basis from 9am to 1pm on 8, 9 and 10 February: Areia Preta; Fai Chi Kei; Tap Seac; Porto Interior (Inner Harbour); Fong Son Tong (São Lourenço); Ocean Gardens; Nossa Senhora do Carmo; and the Seac Pai Van temporary health centre. Community nurse services at those health centres will be available from 9am to 1pm on 7, 8, 9 and 10 February. On call doctors On call doctors will be available at the Seac Pai Van temporary health centre 24 hours per day during the holiday. The Coloane health centre will provide community nurse services and on call doctor services from 9am to 1pm on 7, 8, 9 and 10 February. Conde S. Januário Hospital The Emergency Department (including 24-hour outpatient services), inpatient services and the Island Emergency Station – will be open round the clock as usual. Night Emergency Pharmacy – will extend its opening hours to provide 24-hour service on 8, 9 and 10 February. Haemodialysis Centre – closed on 7 February but will have normal 8am to 9pm services on 8, 9 and 10 February. The following will be closed on 7, 8, 9 and 10 February: Hospital Conde S. Januário specialist medical services; the hospital outpatient pharmacy and stamp services; the civil servant medical examination centre; Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Centre and the registration service for the Provisional Support Scheme for Mothers and Babies. The Blood Transfusion Centre will maintain normal operating hours on 7 February. It will be closed on 8, 9 and 10 February and will resume normal service on 11 February. Conde S. Januário Hospital inpatient visiting hours remain unchanged. For emergency wards they are: 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm. For other wards they are: 1pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm daily). Except for special circumstances, no visits are permitted outside those times.
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In regard to the supply of banknotes through automated teller machines (ATMs) during the long holiday period of the forthcoming Chinese New Year (6th – 10th February), the Monetary Authority of Macao has co-ordinated with the banking sector for arranging relevant measures in order that the need for ATM cash withdrawal by both local citizens and tourists can be satisfied. For enquiries, please dial 66537917 or 62896857 from 9:00 – 18:00 during the period.
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Macao Post will issue an exquisite “Annual Album 2015” on 17th February 2016. The design of the protective hardcover used construction blocks and simple colour to create the scene of Macao, in which a group of goats is living harmony in the city. This album comprises the full collection of 17 sets of stamps and 10 souvenir sheets issued in 2015, on which the colour stamp images and the technical data are printed on the pages. This Annual Album 2015 will be available for sale at the Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters, “Rua do Campo” Post Office, Maritime Ferry Terminal Post Office, Airport Post Office, and the Communications Museum. The selling price is MOP448.00 each, it is certainly an excellent product, either as a collectable or as an elegant gift. Customers can also purchase the empty Annual Album, by which the purchased 2015 Macao’s stamps and souvenir sheets can be protectively organized. Empty Annual Album is priced at MOP110.00.
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