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The Identification Services Bureau introduces self-service kiosks for Certificate of Personal Data application on 17 October 2016. Electronic Macao SAR Resident Identity Card holders who are aged 18 or above can now submit their application for the Certificate of Personal Data on their own with the self-service kiosks during office hours at the Identification Services Bureau located at the China Plaza in “Avenida de Praia Grande”. The self-service application procedures of Certificate of Personal Data are simple. Applicants do not need to obtain a number tag in advance of using the self-service kiosk, they only need to go through the application process as instructed. For instance, they have to verify their fingerprint, scan their identity card, select the items to be listed on the certificate and then sign on the digital signature pad (the signature should be identical to that on the identity card). After that, the applicants have to present the payment slip to the service counter and pay the application fee to complete the entire application process. In addition, the applicants will receive an SMS when the certificate is ready for collection if they can provide a local mobile phone number at the time of application. The abovementioned self-service for Certificate of Personal Data application is not applicable to persons who are renewing their Macao SAR Resident Identity Cards and persons who need to apply for the certificate of kinship, the certificate of having no children in Macao, the certificate of document authentication or the certificate for proving other identification documents which had ever been held or submitted by the applicants. In order to improve the service quality continuously, the Identification Services Bureau welcomes citizens to provide their valuable comments concerning the self-service kiosks. The Identification Services Bureau will keep on studying the possibility of introducing more convenient electronic services.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2016 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) achieved fruitful results through two days of various sessions and thought-provoking discussions, and adjourned with tremendous success this evening (16 October). Gathering ministers and industry leaders Themed as “The Growing Consumer Class – Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape”, the fifth anniversary edition has effectively forged multilateral cooperation through its advanced international platform for tourism exchange and cooperation, gathering various ministerial officials from different countries, leaders from globally‐renowned enterprises, as well as experts and scholars to zero in on how this rising resourceful and tech-savvy group is more than ever the increasingly influential force in the tourism industry. Over 1300 delegates from many countries and cities around the world attended the Forum with fruitful harvest. The Forum also featured its first Partner Country, France, in this edition whereas its Partner City Beijing Municipality also formed a delegation to join the event. 200 media representatives came from home and abroad to cover the event. Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, concluded this edition, “GTEF has embarked on a wonderful journey of making friends and allies through creating synergies and common objectives in sharing and nurturing an invaluable platform via tourism economy to continue pursuing positive and sustainable economic growth and social harmony among nations.” Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Vice Chairman of GTEF, stated in her closing remarks, “In these two days, the Forum has outlined the latest prospect for the global tourism industry and the “New Normal” in the tourism economy from a broad vision and advanced angle, inspiring key decision makers in the industry to seize the development opportunities arising from the application of technology in tourism. I believe that under our Country’s Belt and Road Initiative, smart tourism will be transformed into a new dynamic for regional cooperation across the globe. To go with the global tourism trends and promote sustainable tourism development in Macao, the Macao Government Tourism Office has incorporated “innovative technology”, “smart tourism”, “regional tourism cooperation” and other aspects into its scope of analysis in the ‘Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan’.” “Tourism stands as a key driver of economic progress in the world and a pillar industry in Macao. By hosting the Global Tourism Economy Forum, we not only demonstrate Macao’s strategic position in promoting multicultural and international interchanges, but also embrace a great opportunity to raise Macao’s international profile with esteemed ministerial officials, prominent industry leaders, distinguished experts and scholars coming from different countries and regions around the world to grace the Forum. The incisive points of view shared by tourism heavyweights and professionals in the Forum, in addition to the Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends presented by the World Tourism Organization and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, will serve as valuable reference materials for the region and the world to make tourism and economic progress. They will also enable different governments and members of the tourism industry to map out a more inclusive and effective development plan, and with no doubt, will become great enhancers for Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.” Forum extends its influence to community and education This edition of the Forum not only created a platform for the global tourism industry and invited influential industry leaders, policy makers and scholars to jointly discuss how to leverage tourism development as a driver of economic progress, but also substantially contributed to the local tourism industry and provided training opportunities for local tertiary students. In particular, GTEF published the Experience Macau Travel Guide, introducing delegates to the unique cultures and tourism resources in different districts across the city, for the purpose of promoting community tourism in Macao and broadening GTEF’s positive impact to the community at large. This year, GTEF also initiated an intensive MICE hospitality training programme for the first time, offering opportunities for 20 local tertiary students to take part in the high-level international meeting and take up hospitality roles such as guest reception and exhibition ambassador during GTEF 2016. The training programme achieved great results. In light of this, GTEF will continue its training initiative to nurture the next generation of MICE professionals in Macao with a series of internship programmes to be launched in 2017 for local tertiary students dedicated to pursue a career in the field of MICE tourism. Central and Eastern European Countries as partner countries and Guizhou as parter province in GTEF 2017 The sixth GTEF edition is scheduled to be held in Macao in 2017. The Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) will be GTEF 2017’s partner countries. The new partnerships in the sixth edition not only symbolize GTEF’s expansion of its European network for two consecutive years, but also set a larger number of partner countries. During the closing ceremony, Mr. Gusztáv Bienerth, Government Commissioner for Tourism of Hungary, presented the latest tourism update on the CEECs on their behalf. In addition, Mr. Li Sanqi, Director-General of Guizhou Tourism Development Commission introduced the magnificent tourism resources of Guizhou province of China. The host of the Forum is looking forward to carrying on the achievements and invaluable experience of the first five editions and incorporating more innovations into the program and format of the next Forum, promising an international platform for its collaborative partners to forge tourism cooperation across industries, sectors and regions. The Global Tourism Economy Forum• Macau 2016 was hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism, coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC) and in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The supporting entities include All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
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The Macau Grand Prix has always made safety its top priority. On 15th and 16th October, the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee (MGPOC) jointly conducted professional rescue training with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) at the Macau Grand Prix Building in order to ensure that all rescue team members are trained to the highest internationally-recognized standards of proficiency. Invited to conduct this year’s rescue training course were Extrication Consultant for this year’s Macau Grand Prix, Dr. Jean-Jacques Issermann, and FIA Medical Delegate, Dr. Jacques Tropenat, who provided professional instruction, shared their experience and gave demonstrations. Course content included car accident simulation training, rescue practice and assessment. Participants who successfully passed the examination received certificates from the FIA. Motorsport rescue requires highly specialized personnel and hardware. All team members must be fully conversant with the equipment as well as the precise procedures in the event of an incident in order to respond with a highly efficient manner. In order to perform a rescue procedure effectively, all team members must remain calm when faced with sudden incidents, and respond with clear and accurate instructions. Close communication and cooperation between all involved are vital to ensure rescue operations are performed quickly and seamlessly. Since 2007, all rescue personnel at the event have been Macao residents, and since then every year the Macau Grand Prix and the FIA have together organized courses to provide professional training for rescue personnel, ensuring they are equipped with sufficient knowledge and the ability to provide medical rescue and fast intervention services. To date, more than 500 participants have taken this designated course and worked at the Macau Grand Prix.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum‧Macau 2016 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) was inaugurated splendidly this afternoon (15 October). As the host of the Forum, the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government specially hosted a grand welcome dinner at Grand Hyatt Macau, City of Dreams tonight (15 October) as a warm reception for the guests, and to extend wishes that the discussions tomorrow (16 October) will inspire more creative ideas and innovations for fostering global tourism cooperation. The dinner was attended by prestigious guests and speakers including Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman; Mr. Wang Qinmin, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Li Jinzao, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matthias Fekl, French Minister for Tourism, etc. Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, stated in his welcome message that, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is stepping into its fifth year as a prominent meeting for global tourism leaders with a far-reaching impact across the region and the international community. Their gatherings have generated a widening network for co-operation and an efficient platform for discussions on future tourism landscape. He mentioned that the Asia-Pacific region has become one of the regions in the world showing the fastest tourism growth and a burgeoning consumer spending. Through the Forum, he hopes to foster industry leaders to grab the trend of global consumption patterns and create more new tourism products, leading the tourism industry to march forward. Secretary Tam also remarked that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in his visit to Macao a few days ago, announced that the Central Government will support the Macao SAR Government in hosting the Global Tourism Economy Forum. Secretary Tam believes that the Forum will help broadening co-operation among all parties and the collaborations will certainly create synergy in promoting the global tourism development and contribute to the socio-economic interests of individual destinations. To showcase the rich cultural and arts heritage of China and France, the dinner was decorated with magnificent performances blended their distinctive cultural characters, including Chinese traditional dance and opera in contemporary style as well as French opera performance, enhancing participants’ cultural experience with a compilation of lasting cultural and arts essence. Themed “The Growing Consumer Class – Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape”, the fifth anniversary edition gathers over 120 ministerial officials from different countries, leaders from globally‐renowned private corporations, as well as experts and scholars to zero in on how this rising resourceful and tech-savvy group is more than ever the increasingly influential force in the tourism industry. The fifth edition of GTEF will resume its comprehensive programme tomorrow (16 October) with eight in-depth topical panels. The Forum will also continue to reinforce its sought-after function as a networking platform and include business matching and networking sessions, providing ample opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas with ministers and officials of tourism and economy from different countries, as well as decision-makers of leading global tourism-related corporations, so as to establish networks and explore innovative business opportunities and cooperation.
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The annual renowned international event for the tourism industry, Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2016 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) was inaugurated today (15 October) at 3:00 p.m. at Studio City Macau. Themed as “The Growing Consumer Class – Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape”, the fifth edition gathers over 120 ministerial officials, leaders of globally‐leading corporations, as well as experts and scholars to zero in on how this rising resourceful and tech-savvy group is more than ever the increasingly influential force in the tourism industry. This edition is attended by over 1000 delegates from many countries and cities around the world, including delegations from the Forum’s Partner Country France and Partner City Beijing Municipality, and covered by more than 150 international and local media representatives. The opening ceremony was officiated by dignitaries including Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman; Mr. Wang Qinmin, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Chan Hoi Fan, Acting Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region and Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao SAR Government; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Li Jinzao, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matthias Fekl, French Minister for Tourism; Ms. Cheng Hong, Vice Mayor of Beijing Municipal Government; Ms. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities; Mr. Gusztáv Bienerth, Government Commissioner for Tourism of Hungary; Mr. U Ohn Maung, Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar; Mr. Yao Jian, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Ye Dabo, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Long Yongtu, Former Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People’s Republic of China and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matías Santos Crocsel, Chief of Advisor of the Ministry of Tourism of Argentina; Mr. Tith Chantha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia; Mr. Timur Toktabayev, Vice Minister of Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Mr. Savankhone Razmountry, Vice Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Ms. Anastancia Ndhlovu, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe; Mr. Liang Jianyong, Vice Governor of Fujian Province, China; Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF; Mr. Gerald Lawless, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, and Mr. Andrew Jones, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF, among others. Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman, remarked, “Tourism is an economic activity beneficial to the society, an industry peacefully bridging the world together, and a core industry promoting regional cooperation and connectivity under our Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nowadays, our Nation’s ‘Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ policy further unleashes the society’s enormous innovative energy, and leverages the rapid Internet and technological development to create the New Normal for enriching the sustainable development of tourism economy, and bring unprecedented changes to the traditional tourism ecosystem for fostering a deepened and widened tourism development.” Ms. Chan Hoi Fan, Acting Chief Executive of Macao SAR and Secretary for Administration and Justice, stated, “2016 is the year for the Macao SAR Government to map out its first five-year development plan for the city and start putting it into practice. In order to transform Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, we have to closely combine and fully unleash our cultural and geographical advantages as well as the privileges we enjoy under the policy of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. In light of this, we are eager to push forward regional and international tourism cooperation based upon our sound cooperative relations with different destinations along the way, and make new contributions to foster tourism and economic growth in the region and the world.” “To enhance sustainable tourism development, we need tourism innovations which go in line with the global trends nowadays. GTEF hence keeps abreast with the latest prospect and invites heavyweights and professionals from different sectors to share their wisdom and foresight. I hope that this Forum edition not only will offer inspirations for tourism leaders, experts and scholars from around the world, but also will propose a clear direction and practical suggestions which will enhance sustainable economic and tourism development in Macao and the world.” Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, stated in his congratulatory message, “Macao never ceases to astonish me. It is a wonderful melting pot for cultures and traditions of East and West, fused into a dynamic and forward-thinking city. The Global Tourism Economy Forum and UNWTO are strong partners and I am delighted to be with you all again. This annual forum is an opportunity to look into the opportunities, challenges and economic benefits facing tourism development in Asia and the Pacific. I always praise this forum for its unique ability to bring Asia to the world and the world to Asia.＂ As an integral part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area, Macao has been an East-meets-West cultural hub which is dedicated to promoting moderate diversification of its tourism-driven economy as the city forges ahead with the goal to become a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” as well as a “commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries”. Offering key reference and directions for the development of the global tourism and tourism-related industries, GTEF demonstrates Macao's capabilities to organize international mega events as a major international platform across regions, sectors and industries. In addition, the Forum serves to consolidate and enhance Macao's status as an international tourism city and strengthen its positioning as a travel destination in the region ideal for multi-destination visitation. It also reinforces the foundation for Macao and its neighbors in the region to achieve a win-win situation and tap into the new possibilities for advanced development. Following the opening ceremony, the European Travel Commission (ETC) signed a cooperative agreement with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC), further extending the Forum’s coverage of international cooperation. France and Beijing as featured partners For the first time, GTEF has invited two world-famous destinations to be its featured partners. Featured as GTEF’s partner country, France will bespeak its fascinating dimensions in different fields including tourism, investment, artistic and cultural tourism as well as promotion of trade and commerce during an array of sessions in the Forum. In addition, the Louvre Museum, the globally prestigious museum in France, will host a Fundraising Gala Dinner tomorrow (16 October) and a charity auction during the Dinner. Featured as GTEF’s partner city, the state capital Beijing Municipality will showcase its glamour as a cultural tourism destination through a mega exhibition, in addition to holding a destination presentation and a business matching session, etc. Launch of the first training programme GTEF is committed to contributing to the development of Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and promoting moderate diversification of the local economy. This year, GTEF has initiated its first MICE hospitality training programme. 20 participating students are trained in hospitality roles such as VIP guest reception and exhibition ambassador during GTEF 2016. Offering a rewarding experience, the training programme prepares the students for a future career in hospitality. GTEF has also published the “Experience Macau Travel Guide”, introducing delegates to the unique cultures and tourism resources in different districts across the city, to promote the development of community tourism in Macao and broaden GTEF’s positive impact to the community at large. Thought-provoking GTEF program This GTEF edition presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking program. In addition to the third Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends presented by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and GTERC, the Forum features a range of thematic sessions including its signature “Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs” session in collaboration with UNWTO, where leadership from the public and private sectors will tackle the subject of “Harnessing the 1 Billion+ Opportunities”; and “GTEF 5th Anniversary Special Keynote - The Forces Shaping China's Economic Future”. Featuring GTEF’s partner country France, the session titled “France: Arts and Culture as Drivers of Tourism” will unveil discussions on how cultural and artistic festivities can attract visitation. Industry leaders will also share their insights in sessions including “Maximizing the Dualities of the Chinese Consumers”, “Embracing the Multi-faceted Chinese Travellers” and “Tourism and Technology: the Inseparable Duo”. Other sessions include “Youth Leadership Roundtable – Understanding the Millennial Consumer and Social Engagement”, “Urban Tourism Consumption Revolution”, and “Investment Workshop – The Burgeoning Consumer Class: Investing in a New Era”. For more information about the Forum, please visit www.gte-forum.com
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Chief Executive Chui Sai On this morning (14 October) attended the 2016 Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Cooperation Chief Executive Joint Conference in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. Speaking at the conference, he said Macao will integrate development with its unique advantages, to fully support PPRD cooperation and innovative development, and join hands to promote the “Belt and Road” initiative. At the conference, the administrative leaders and representatives of all PPRD provinces and regions delivered their speeches and exchanged views on topics including the establishment of the PPRD Cooperation and Development Fund, integration of the “Belt and Road” initiative, joint promotion of the PPRD modernised integrated transportation network, and innovation-driven industrial cooperation. Speaking at the conference, Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that Macao will actively support and facilitate PPRD cooperation and innovative development. He believes innovation is the driving force that leads to development. Macao has this year compiled its first five-year development plan, marking an important innovation in planning by the MSAR Government. According to the plan, Macao will fully strengthen its efforts in integrating with national development, and intensify its participation in PPRD cooperation to achieve fruitful results. Macao also participated in organising a delegation of the National Development and Reform Commission and PPRD provinces and regions to visit Portugal and Belgium in June this year. This is another initiative of the new cooperation model for the PPRD. On the innovative future development of PPRD cooperation, Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that Macao will firstly enhance close cooperation with the free trade zones in Guangdong and Fujian, strive to introduce innovative ideas and arrangements, promote industry matching and common progress, to contribute to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area. The PPRD Cooperation and Development Fund is another innovative arrangement supported by the MSAR Government, which is beneficial to deepening PPRD cooperation. Regarding joint promotion of the “Belt and Road” initiative, Chui said Macao will fully leverage the advantage of the principle of “One country two systems”, as well as the advantages in language, culture and the returning talented overseas Chinese and families, to expedite its development as a world tourism and leisure centre, and a business and trade cooperation and services platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao will also leverage its unique advantages in integrated tourism, convention and exhibition, Chinese medicine, and cultural and creative industries, to jointly promote the “Belt and Road” initiative with other PPRD provinces and regions. Chui added that the PPRD provinces and regions should join hands to integrate tourism resources, consistently develop tourism products and routes with “Belt and Road” as the theme, and build a quality brand for PPRD multi-destination tours; deepen international cooperation, and leverage Macao’s advantages arising from its connections with global tourism organisations, to jointly promote tourism for the countries along the “Belt and Road”; and, based on the support from the United Nations World Tourism Organization for Macao’s development as a world tourism and leisure centre, provide professional training and services to talented people in the tourism industry of the PPRD, with the aim of cultivating more professional experts on “Belt and Road” tourism. Regard Macao as a platform, Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that Premier Li Keqiang has announced, at the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, a series of major initiatives to deepen cooperation and support the development of Macao. The implementation of these policies and measures will create new opportunities for Macao and other PPRD provinces and regions to participate in the “Belt and Road” initiative. Macao and its PPRD partners will strive to achieve the benefits of working together by integrating the development of Macao as a services platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries and the “Belt and Road” initiative. At the coming Macao International Environmental Cooperation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) next year, Macao will strive to more closely match the strategy of the “Belt and Road” initiative, to promote deepener cooperation in green products and green technology between the PPRD and the European Union and Portuguese-speaking countries.
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The Acting Chief Executive, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, sent today a telegram of condolence to the Thai Prime Minister on the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. Having ruled Thailand for 70 years, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej devoted his life to the country and its people. Under his rule, Thailand achieved steady development, enhancing the love and respect the Thai people felt for him. On behalf of the Macao SAR Government, the Acting Chief Executive offered her deepest condolences to the Thai Royal Family and to the Thai people.
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Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) has been committed to protecting the environment, integrating environment-friendly concepts to its education, strengthening the faculty and students’ green awarenesses and calling upon everyone’s action to prevent wastage, aiming to build a healthy and green campus and society. Since 2015, IFT has been providing related trainings for its staff in order to enhance the environmental management and sustainable development. In June 2016, IFT passed Environmental Management System audit and successfully received ISO14001 accreditation. This year, IFT held again “The Healthy and Green Month” for the 5th consecutive year. A series of events were organised to promote the healthy lifestyle among its staff and students, and to build a healthy and green campus altogether with joint effort. Various interactive events and activities featuring health, environmental protection and safety were held during “The 2016 Healthy and Green Month” from 1 to 30 September. They are namely “Let's be a Green Walker” activity, “Homemade Edible Fruit Enzyme Workshop”, “Earth Hour/IFT Lights out for 1 Hour & No Elevator Day”, “Join the Cherish Food Corps” activity, a visit to Zero Carbon Building and Organic Farm in Hong Kong by the Institute’s staff representatives, “Resource Recovery Day”, “Vegetarian Snowy Moon Cake Workshop”, “Health ”, “Mooncake Container Collection Scheme”, “DIY Mini Plant Decoration”, a seminar about fire prevention and safety, “Coffee Ground Dyeing Workshop”, etc. There are more than 1,700 participation of the events and activities.
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According to the latest update of preliminary statistics (non-resident employees and students have been excluded from the figures of visitor arrivals) provided by Public Security Police Force, the overall visitor arrivals to Macao during the seven-day National Holidays Golden Week (1st – 7th October) hit a record of nearly 770,000 with a year-on-year raise of 19%. In addition, visitor arrivals from the Greater China and other markets both registered a double-digit growth. The number of visitors from the Greater China market exceeded 720,000 and constituted 94% of the total visitor arrivals to Macao during the National Holidays, an increase of 19% compared with the corresponding period of last year. Among them, the number of visitors from Mainland China registered a 17% year-on-year raise, whereas visitor arrivals from Hong Kong and Taiwan rose by 30% and 9% respectively. On the other hand, the total of visitors from other markets climbed up by 20% to over 47,000. The visitor arrivals to Macao during the National Holidays Golden Week released earlier included non-resident employees and students, Macao Government Tourism Office believes that the above figures can better reflect the visitor arrivals situation during this period.
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The 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao has had outstanding outcomes, including measures – announced by Premier Li Keqiang – to push forward development in Macao, said the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac. Those measures would help further advance an adequate level of economic diversification in the city, as well as maintaining Macao’s sustainability and boosting its bridging role between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Mr Leong made his comments on Wednesday (12 October) during a press conference outlining the achievements of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao. During the Ministerial Conference, member countries of Forum Macao signed a number of agreements to broaden cooperation in the period spanning 2017 to 2019. Agreements signed included the “Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Co-operation (2017-2019)” and a memorandum of understanding in relation to boosting cooperation on production capacity. The 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao expanded opportunities for networking and exchanges among entrepreneurs and financiers – and among economic and financial officials – from member countries, said Mr Leong. Premier Li announced – while in Macao this week for a three-day inspection tour – a total of 18 measures to support the development of Forum Macao and the countries participating in the Forum; as well as another 19 supportive measures to drive further development of the SAR. The 18 measures to support Forum Macao and its member countries cover five major areas for cooperation, namely: production capacity; economic development; people-to-people and cultural ties; the marine sector; and enhancing Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (known as the “Platform” policy). The Central Government also outlined 19 measures to drive further development of the SAR, namely via enhancing Macao’s role in connecting China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Those measures included supporting the Macao SAR to become a financial services platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Other measures involved establishing in Macao: the Association of Enterprise Directors of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; the Center for Cultural Exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; and a Chinese-Portuguese bilingual talent training base. The Secretary urged people across the community to develop their understanding of the measures, in order to grasp the development opportunities arising from them.
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