Tray Race contestants at the Ruins of St. Paul’s
The UN Tourism has designated 27 September as the World Tourism Day. Carrying on this long-held tradition, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) welcomed the Lucky Tourist at the port of entry, followed by the lively 2026 World Tourism Day Tray Race held in the afternoon to celebrate the World Tourism Day as a global observance together with residents and visitors. The celebrations manifested the city’s vitality as a world centre of tourism and leisure.
Lucky Tourists taste culinary delights in communities
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes welcomed the Lucky Tourists of the World Tourism Day and gifted them with souvenirs and electronic consumption cards at Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal this morning (27 September). The Lucky Tourists were encouraged to explore and spend in local neighborhoods for community travel experience. Coming from Switzerland and Thailand respectively, Alex and Kamontip are currently living in Thailand. This is their first and second time to visit Macao. They are traveling to Macao and Hong Kong in one trip. Staying in Macao for one day, they will enjoy a stroll in the historic districts and enjoy delicacies and sightseeing in communities for an exploration of local colors.
Souvenirs were distributed to visitors at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters throughout the day, to promote the World Tourism Day.
Exciting Tray Race engages visiting spectators
The traditional Tray Race was held in the afternoon. Divided into male and female categories, the Tray Race presented the first, second and third prizes as well as the Best Costume Award in each category. 204 contestants representing 30 local hotels and restaurants participated in the Tray Race this year. Contestants gathered at the Ruins of St. Paul’s for group photos before setting off. In parallel with the theme of the World Tourism Day this year — “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, the Tray Race was themed as “Smart Tour Macao” this year with the aim to bring together tourism personnel for a chance to unleash their expertise and passion in joyful vibes.
The contestants set off from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, each balancing a bottle of Macau Beer on their tray. They ran down the lanes through the Historic Centre of Macao and delivered the beer safely to the finish line at the Senado Square the fastest they could. The Race was filled with excitement, attracting visitors and residents who took photos and cheered for contestants on the way. The event manifested the unique and vibrant charm of the destination.
Mascots Parade boosts happy vibes
This year, 27 mascots took part in the Mascots Parade as an highlight of the Tray Race. The contestants included Macao Tourism Mascot MAK MAK from MGTO as well as other mascots representing different entities such as Municipal Affairs Bureau, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, Cultural Affairs Bureau, the integrated resort enterprises, community organizations and retail businesses, among others. With outfits and props, the mascots brought to life the theme of “Smart Tour Macao” and created joyful vibes in the Race. They set off from the entrance of St. Dominic’s Church and waddled in loveliness to reach the finishing point at Senado Square. They interacted with spectators along the way, filling the square with life.
Winners revealed
The first prize in the male category of the Tray Race went to Liu Weipeng on behalf of Venetian Cotai Ltd, whereas Marlar Myint from Nova Galaxy Entretenimento 2006 Companhia Limitada won the first prize in the female category. The Best Costume Awards in the male and female categories were presented to Ma Kuok Tong on behalf of Morpheus and Yang Chunling from Nova Galaxy Entretenimento 2006 Companhia Limitada.
In the Mascots Parade, the first prize went to “May” of M8. The second prize was presented to “Ho Sio Chong” of Mung Animation Company Limited while the third prize was awarded to “Wavey” of Galaxy Entertainment Group.
At the prize presentation, MAK MAK performed the dance “Soar with MAK MAK” together with robots. As a creative blend of entertainment and technology, their dance exuded the dynamic integration across “tourism + technology” and reflected the World Tourism Day’s theme this year.
World Tourism Day’s Theme – Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism
Since 1980, UN Tourism has designated 27 September as the annual World Tourism Day with the objective to promote awareness on the importance of tourism across the international community, especially regarding its social, cultural, political and economic value. The World Tourism Day 2026 is themed around “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, which explores how AI can help create smarter, more inclusive and sustainable tourism by enhancing decision-making, strengthening skills, and improving the way destinations are experienced and managed.
For more information, please visit the official website: https://www.untourism.int/world-tourism-day-2026.
