News

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) led a delegation of local industry partners to participate in the 23rd edition of Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA 2015) in Thailand and jointly promote Macau as a business travel destination. In addition, the Tourist Office was presented the Best National Tourism Office (N.T.O.) of Travel Services Awards in the 26th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2015 held concurrently. IT&CMA 2015 was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 29 September to 1 October. As a leading exhibition for business tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific Region, IT&CMA presents an effective platform for industry partners to promote incentive travel. Approximately 900 exhibitors as well as 400 industry buyers from some 50 countries and regions attended the event this year. International industry buyers from India, Poland and the United States account for the biggest proportion of participants. The key program of IT&CMA 2015 also features themed talks, seminars, forums and so on. MGTO ran a booth under the theme "Touching Moments, Experience Macau" this year and partnered with around 30 enterprises to present the destination’s business tourism products and facilities to their international counterparts and industry buyers. The enterprises include hotels, convention and exhibition companies, travel agencies, entertainment businesses, airlines and ferry operators from Macau. The MGTO team also took the opportunity to advertise its "Travel Stimulation Program" among incentive travel organizers. On the closing day of IT&CMA, TTG Asia organized the TTG Travel Awards 2015 in Bangkok. Macau Government Tourist Office was entitled the Best National Tourism Office (N.T.O.) of Travel Services Awards in acknowledgment of its excellent work as a tourism entity. As the most prestigious annual travel industry awards in Asia-Pacific, TTG Travel Awards is established to recognize the most outstanding organizations and individuals in the industry across the Region. All the winners are chosen through a process of nomination and voting by tourism industry professionals.
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The Secretary for Justice and Administration, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, chaired a plenary session of the Coordinating Council for Reform of Public Administration. Issues discussed included how to optimise the coordinating mechanism for legislative proceedings, and reform of the centralised system for drafting legislation. At the session, held on 5 October, the Secretary, who is also the President of the Council, stressed the aim of strengthening the coordinating mechanism was to make preparation of legislation more efficient, and to enhance the quality and efficiency of legislation drafted by different departments of the Government. Members of the Council also discussed the issue of simultaneous consultation on different policies. They agreed to strengthen internal communication for the coordination of consultative works. Ms Chan said it was necessary continuously to optimise the arrangement for collecting public opinions regarding different policies. That was in order for the public to acquire relevant information more easily and express their opinions accordingly, she said. Other members at the meeting included: the Council’s Acting Secretary-General Ms Joana Maria Noronha; representatives of policy secretaries; representatives of legal affairs departments; representatives of the Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau; and representatives of the Financial Services Bureau. The Coordinating Council for Reform of Public Administration was established in 2007. Its aim is to accommodate the decision-making of the Public Administration Reform Consultation Committee; to coordinate policy consultation; and to formulate planning for policy execution.
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Consumer Council conducted its first ‘Supermarket price survey’ in October on 5 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Areia Preta and Avenida de Venceslau de Morais in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM’s Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) presented the initiative “Take Selfies to Win Prizes” for tourists to join under the project “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities – Walking Tour Routes” in June. The second round of lucky draw took place today (5 October) for the part “Upload Selfies to enter the Lucky Draw”. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Deputy Directors Cecilia Tse and Cheng Wai Tong were present at the lucky draw and drew out the names of 11 lucky winners who are tourists from the following countries and regions, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China and Thailand. The prizes include tablets (10 winners) and economy-class roundtrip tickets for two (one winner). Since the activity “Take Selfies to Win Prizes” was launched on 12 June, a total of 15,070 users have downloaded the “Step Out, Macau” mobile App. During the period from 12 June to 4 October, some 967 visitors uploaded selfies to enter the lucky draw. The participants came from the following countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, Korea, the United Kingdom and so forth. Most of the visitors took selfies at attractions along the three tour routes namely “Bygone Days of Taipa Village”, “Footsteps into the Historic Centre” and “The Marriage of East and West in St. Anthony’s Parish”. Following the launch of stamp collection fun last June, the Tourist Office launched another prize-winning activity named “Take Selfies to Win Prizes” under the project “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities – Walking Tour Routes” in mid June this year. The activity comes with two parts – “Show Selfies for Souvenir” and “Upload Selfies to enter the Lucky Draw”, with three rounds of lucky draw in total for the latter. The third round of lucky draw is scheduled on 1 December. The activity “Take Selfies to Win Prizes” is held from 12 June until 30 November this year to encourage locals and visitors to explore the hidden gems of local neighborhoods. The activity aims also to promote community and smart tourism. During the abovementioned period, locals and visitors can redeem souvenirs with their selfies in the activity “Show Selfies for Souvenir”. Visitors can also enter the lucky draw by uploading selfies and sharing about their trip experience in Macau on the “Step out, Macau” mobile App. Residents and visitors can download the free App “Step Out, Macau” from App Store or Google Play. For details, please visit MGTO’s website http://www.macautourism.gov.mo or dial Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000 to make an enquiry.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that principal indicators of the Construction Sector registered general increase in 2014 owing to the construction of large-scale hotels and entertainment facilities. In particular, Value of Construction increased by 63.2% year-on-year to MOP78.15 billion, Intermediate Consumption rose by 60.2% to MOP61.03 billion, and Labour Cost grew by 42.3% to MOP11.35 billion. Gross Surplus, which equals Value of Construction and Other Receipts less Intermediate Consumption and Labour Cost, amounted to MOP6.86 billion, up substantially by 184.8%. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy totalled MOP18.21 billion, up by 75.4%. A total of 2,633 establishments were operating in the Construction Sector in 2014, a decrease of 136 year-on-year; number of persons engaged increased by 11,361 to 45,368. There were 1,192 establishments engaging in construction projects with permits and 1,441 undertaking simple renovation projects. Regarding construction projects with permits, Value of Construction (MOP75.00 billion), Intermediate Consumption (MOP59.15 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP16.90 billion) increased by 65.9%, 62.3% and 81.6% respectively year-on-year on account of the construction of large-scale hotels and entertainment facilities by gaming enterprises in CoTai. Gross Surplus surged by 205.6% to MOP6.57 billion; Gross Fixed Capital Formation totalled MOP265 million, down by 15.6%. Analysed by type of construction projects, value of private construction projects grew by 76.4% year-on-year to MOP66.88 billion, of which value of construction of hotels and entertainment facilities (MOP53.34 billion) increased by 122.3%, while that of private residential buildings (MOP10.66 billion) dropped by 9.6%. On the other hand, value of public construction works increased by 11.6% year-on-year to MOP8.12 billion, of which value of construction of public housing (MOP2.29 billion) and infrastructures (MOP4.07 billion) rose by 5.5% and 9.5% respectively, and that of land formation and reclamation works (MOP1.37 billion) surged by 697.7% due to the land reclamation projects in progress; meanwhile, value of construction of Light Rapid Transit & roads (MOP1.55 billion) and piers (MOP636 million) decreased by 17.2% and 52.9% respectively. Analysed by location, a total of 946 construction projects were carried out in the Macao Peninsula and Value of Construction (MOP11.10 billion) increased by 94.4% year-on-year; moreover, 80 projects were in CoTai with Value of Construction (MOP49.92 billion) rising by 109.9%, and 103 projects were in Coloane with Value of Construction (MOP7.39 billion) dropping by 21.6%. As regards simple renovation projects, Value of Construction (MOP3.15 billion), Intermediate Consumption (MOP1.88 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP1.31 billion) increased by 17.6%, 14.0% and 21.7% respectively year-on-year in 2014; Gross Surplus rose by 12.3% to MOP293 million.
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The opening ceremony of the 29th Macao International Music Festival, organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, started at 7:40pm on 4 October at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, followed by the opening concert Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 3, which marks the opening of this year’s MIMF. The ceremony was attended by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Alexis, Tam Chon Weng; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao S.A.R., Sun Da; President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Vice President of Corporate Communications & Community Affairs of the Venetian Macau Ltd., Winnie Wong. This year’s Festival - themed ‘Soundmazing’ - features pure vocal music as a nutrient for the soul. The Festival opening concert Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 3 was conducted by Macao Orchestra’s Music Director Lu Jia, featuring world-renowned mezzo soprano Charlotte Hellekant, the Macao Orchestra, the China NCPA Orchestra and Chorus, and the Macao Youth Choir. This enormous and complicated composition demonstrated Mahler’s novel idea of orchestra, whilst it emphasised the symbiosis between Man and Nature. Tickets for this performance are all sold out. After the opening, the Festival will present a variety of concerts, including Jing • Qi • Shen rendered by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. Performed under the baton of its Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Yan Huichang, the piece Jing • Qi • Shen is based on the cyclical recurrence of life in the universe, expressing the gentle yet rigid beauty of the East Asian arts and culture. Maestro Esa-Pekka Salonen partners with cellist Anssi Karttunen and violinist Leticia Moreno to present a glamorous concert with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, whilst mezzo soprano Charlotte Hellekant will join hands with the outstanding pianist Anders Kilström to stage Northern Night, a concert reminiscent of the pristine musical landscapes of Northern Europe in St. Dominic's Church. Moscow’s Novaya Opera Theatre will stage Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s one-act opera Mozart and Salieri in a series of three sessions at Dom Pedro V Theatre, while prestigious violinist Gidon Kremer will collaborate with the Kremerata Baltica to present the concerts Masks and Faces and New Seasons. Tickets for several programmes are nearly sold out, so don’t miss this amazing opportunity and buy your tickets. Tickets are on sale at all retail outlets of the Macau Ticketing Network or call the Ticketing Hotline: (853) 2855 5555.
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The Macau Grand Prix has always made safety its top priority, consistently maintaining the highest international standards in all areas of prevention and rescue. On October 3 and 4, the Committee conducted local rescue team training jointly with the FIA. The programme, which included a wide variety of training both theoretical and practical, was designed to ensure that all rescue team members are trained to the highest internationally-recognised standards. Since 2004, the Macau Grand Prix has been promoting the localisation of its rescue teams and, since 2007, all team personnel have been Macau residents. Since then, each year the Committee and the FIA have together organised courses to provide professional training for each local rescue team member, ensuring each has sufficient knowledge and ability to provide medical rescue and fast intervention services at Grand Prix. This year, the rescue teams will work alongside more than 500 other race officials, all of whom have also undergone training, at the Grand Prix. As a high-speed sport, it is vital that the response to motorsport incidents is rapid in order to immediately go to the aid of those involved. Unlike a regular ambulance, motorsport rescue vehicles are equipped with highly-specialised personnel and hardware. Each team member must be fully conversant with the specialist equipment as well as the precise procedures in the event of an incident in order to respond with fast efficiency. In order to perform a rescue procedure effectively, the Race Director 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. Invited to conduct this year’s rescue team training courses were FIA Extrication Consultant Jean Jacques Issermann, as well as the FIA Medical Delegates Jacques Tropenat and Alain Chantegret to provide professional instruction, share their experiences and give demonstrations. This year, 20 doctors and 66 firemen took part in the training courses, and were required to participate in car accident simulation training, practice and assessment. Participants who successfully passed the examination received FIA certificates indicating they have surpassed internationally-recognised requirements and are ready to ensure the smooth running of the Macau Grand Prix.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is staging a large-scale roadshow themed as “Experience Macau” at Grand Central Terminal, a famous landmark in New York City from 1 to 4 October. The Office strives to attract more international visitors to Macau through promotional projects rolled out in visitor source markets. This is the first grand roadshow presented by MGTO in New York City, the United States. To reach out to a broader range of local residents and visitors for a wider promotional effect, the four-day event was chosen to take place at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal, the city’s major railroad station bustling with commuters. The roadshow showcases Macau as a travel destination brimming with blended cultures from the East and West, by featuring a variety of highlights from delicacies, stage performance, demonstration of Chinese silhouette paper-cutting, an art gallery, workshops to a photo booth for cultural experience. The roadshow decorations were designed to bring out the beauty of Macau’s attractions including the Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, Senado Square and Macau Tower. For gourmet delights, Macanese cuisine is presented as a highlight with free samples of signature dishes offered to roadshow visitors, such as African Chicken Meatball, Shrimp Toast, Portuguese Egg Tart and more. On the other hand, workshop participants can enjoy the fun of making their own Portuguese tile or Chinese lantern, whereas the art gallery uncovers the impression of US artists on Macau. The roadshow is also enlivened by lion dance and Portuguese folk dance performances. Besides, roadshow visitors can dress themselves up in outfits of Portuguese folk dancers for photo opportunity. MGTO distributes promotional leaflets during the event while local travel agents promote their special travel packages to Macau on the spot. Situated in Manhattan, the Grand Central Station is an important transportation hub in New York City and also a world-famous railway station. According to statistics, the Station serves up to half a million commuters daily. By rolling out a diversity of promotional activities targeting a constant stream of visitors in large numbers, MGTO aims to further expand international visitor markets for Macau. Last year, Macau welcomed over 180,000 visitors from the United States, which ranked as the tenth largest source market to Macau. From this January to August, the total number of visitor arrivals amounted to a record of 20 million, of which over 1.76 million visitors came from international markets.
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The 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest concluded splendidly. Yung-feng Firecrackers & Fireworks Co. Ltd. from Chinese Taiwan won the championship, followed by the fireworks teams from China and France in the second and third place respectively. The prize-giving ceremony was held at Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Alexis, Tam Chon Weng; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Pan Yundong; Acting Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Cecilia Tse and Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong attended the ceremony among other guests and presented the awards to the winning teams. During her speech, Acting Director Cecilia Tse remarked that the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has been staged in Macau for 27 years in a row, and over the years, MGTO has been looking for a wide range of outstanding fireworks companies worldwide to bring into the limelight in every edition. She added that the Office hopes to show to visitors from around the world the glamour of Macau as a City of Culture and Events through the Contest. Throughout the years, various famous fireworks companies came from around the world to join the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest. The ten teams of this edition come from Malaysia, Finland, Chinese Taiwan, Korea, Italy, Portugal, France, Austria, Australia and China (in the order of performance time and date). This is the first time for the Contest to feature teams from Malaysia and Finland. The pyrotechnic companies from Italy and France also made their debut in Macau. The fireworks presented by the teams from Australia and China culminated the finale evening. Many local citizens flocked to see the fireworks shows on the National Day holiday; including numerous visitors, different vantage points on Macau Peninsula and Taipa were bustled with spectators and alive with a festive ambience. Since the first edition unveiled by MGTO in 1989, the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has developed into a signature event of the destination today. More than that, the contest draws a vast number of spectators from around the world to Macau every year. The Trophy Design Competition, Photo Competition, Student Drawing Competition and SMS Game are held as a series of supporting activities during the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest to encourage citizens’ participation; The Fireworks Carnival is also staged every fireworks evening, making the fireworks extravaganza a splendid event of the year. In the future, MGTO will keep making a great effort to present more fascinating events and festivals with broadened variety, boost the destination profile internationally and attract visitors from around the world, in line with Macau’s goal to build a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is staging the “Experience Macau‧ Macau Grand Prix” Roadshow in Zhuhai from 1 to 9 October. By showcasing splendid events and festivals lined up in the coming months of 2015, the Tourist Office aims to attract more visitors for a longer stay to experience the glamour of Macau, a City of Culture and Events. MGTO Acting Director Cecilia Tse (also the Coordinator of Public Relations and Promotional Activities Subcommittee under Macau Grand Prix Committee); Coordinator of Macau Grand Prix (MGP) Committee, João Manuel Costa Antunes; Head of Destination Marketing Department of MGTO, Betty Fok; Head of Tourism Product and Events Department of MGTO, Doris Leong as well as other MGP Committee members were present in the Roadshow on 1 October to promote Macau’s colorful events. The nine-day Roadshow themed as “Experience Macau‧ Macau Grand Prix” currently goes on at Huafa Mall in Zhuhai. The Roadshow’s major design is themed after the Macau Grand Prix. The World Heritage Site “The Historic Centre of Macao” and the eight walking tour routes under the theme “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities” as well as other mega events in Macau are showcased in the Roadshow. A Formula 3 racing car and a motorcycle are on display as well. Roadshow visitors can also try the exciting fun of racing around the Guia Circuit on an installed simulator. Following the “Experience Macau Carnival” Roadshow held in Hong Kong in September, MGTO rolls out another roadshow in Zhuhai to showcase splendid events and festivals to attract visitors from both cities to Macau for a longer stay and a fascinating experience of Macau’s “Vibrant Moments”. As another highlight, the Tourist Office is currently holding the “Macau X LEGO® Exhibition” at the lobby of the Ritz Building on Senado Square and Macao Science Center until 28 December.
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