News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that receipts of the hotel sector amounted to MOP 27.87 billion in 2014, up by 10.2% year-on-year. Analysed by types of receipts, Room Sales increased by 14.3% year-on-year to MOP 13.65 billion, accounting for 49.0% of the total; receipts from Food & Beverages increased by 1.1% to MOP 5.65 billion. Receipts from Rental of Space rose by 18.6% to MOP 5.58 billion, with those for MICE events (MOP 339 million) soaring by 111.1%. A total of 99 hotels and guesthouses were operating in 2014, a decrease of 1 year-on-year, comprising 66 hotels and 33 guesthouses. Total number of persons engaged dropped by 1.1% year-on-year to 39,475, of which 26,089 (66.1%) were working in 11 large-scale hotels having 800 or more persons engaged, down by 8.1%. Analysed by classification of establishments, receipts of five-star hotels (MOP 23.06 billion) were generated from various sources, including Room Sales at MOP 10.82 billion (46.9% of total), Rental of Space at MOP 5.25 billion (22.8%) and Food & Beverages at MOP 4.75 billion (20.6%), up by 14.7%, 18.9% and 0.1% respectively year-on-year. Receipts of four-star hotels increased by 12.7% to MOP 2.73 billion, with Room Sales accounting for a significant share of 66.5%. Moreover, receipts of three-star and two-star hotels rose by 4.8% to MOP 2.03 billion, of which Room Sales captured 47.7% and Other Receipts (such as management fees, sales of products, etc.) shared 30.8%. It is worth noting that online business of the hotel sector saw marked growth, of which receipts from online room reservation and ticketing, etc. surged by 29.4% to MOP 784 million, with the corresponding growth for three-star and two-star hotels reaching 35.2%. Expenditure of the hotel sector increased by 7.9% year-on-year to MOP 23.07 billion; Operating Expenses (MOP 10.49 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 9.59 billion) rose by 3.1% and 17.2% respectively year-on-year, while Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP 2.99 billion) edged down by 0.9%. Analysed by classification of establishments, Operating Expenses shared the highest proportion of Expenditure of both five-star and four-star hotels, at 45.4% and 50.1% respectively, while Compensation of Employees (48.3% of total) was the largest expense item of three-star and two-star hotels. Meanwhile, Non-operating Expenses such as depreciation of fixed assets and interest paid totalled MOP 7.25 billion, down by 7.7% year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy rose by 18.1% year-on-year to MOP 14.55 billion. Gross Surplus of the sector (receipts plus changes in inventories less expenditure) amounted to MOP 4.96 billion, up by 20.0%. Owing to an increase in major renovations of establishments in 2014, Gross Fixed Capital Formation grew by 22.0% year-on-year to MOP 2.76 billion.
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Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng, said the Government would pay close attention to public opinion in the revitalisation plan for the former Estoril Hotel. Mr Tam, who told reporters on 12 September, said the aim for revitalise the building was obvious: to create more recreational and leisure facilities for not only the youngsters but also all residents. He said he was pleased to know the people were highly concerned with the cultural heritage, and he had directed the Cultural Affairs Bureau to initiate the process to evaluate if the building was classified as heritage. From the public opinion received so far, the majority favoured of turning the former hotel into a youth hub and as a re-location for the Macao Conservatory. He said if public opinion favoured to keep the building and the adjacent swimming pool, the Government would act according to the will of the majority. The public consultation for the revitalisation plan for former Estoril Hotel and Estoril swimming pool will end on Sunday (20 September). The former Estoril Hotel is at the centre of the city’s cultural district: surrounded by several cultural heritages, schools, a library, museums and a sports complex. The proposal is aimed at creating an integration of cultural, arts, education, sports and other recreational facilities in addition to creating a space that can serve all residents.
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By taking advantage of the widespread usage of information technology in the community, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) will launch the online MACCARES (Macao Confidential Aviation Reporting System) reporting form tomorrow with the objective of providing the industry and the residents another convenient channel for submitting information of safety concerns to the Authority. Information technology is advancing at a rapid pace. E-government and e-commerce are being actively advocated in countries everywhere to the extent that most of the applications and transactions can now be handled electronically in addition to the traditional way. As people become more and more dedicated to protecting the environment, they are using the traditional postal method less often and becoming more enthusiastic in submitting applications online. After assessing the various mechanisms of safety data collection, AACM considered that the MACCARES reporting form has the condition to go online as the mechanism targets both the industry and the residents. The online reporting form is therefore developed so as to construct a convenient way to encourage more and more people to submit safety information. MACCARES is a voluntary, confidential, and non-punitive incident reporting system established by AACM in 2013. The sole purpose is to enhance aviation safety and to prevent the occurrence of aircraft accident and incident through collecting information on actual or potential safety deficiencies that may not be captured by the mandatory occurrence reporting system so that AACM can analyse the data and hence come up with recommendations for improvements to the aviation system. MACCARES allows any person who becomes aware of safety concerns on aviation safety or non-compliance with Macao’s laws and regulations to report such concerns to AACM. Industry operators and Macao’s residents can check the details and the online reporting form through the special session of MACCARES in AACM’s website: http://www.aacm.gov.mo/maccares/english/maccares_make.php
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The Government is financially stable and sees no need to launch more measures to control expenditure. This assurance was given by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, who told reporters after the plenary session of the Standing Council on Social Concerted Action on 11 September. Mr Leong said the Government experienced no financial difficulty, as there were more than 10 billion patacas of accumulated reserves according to the amended budget for the fiscal year 2015, which was submitted to the Legislative Assembly in March. The budget requires the administration to launch stricter financial measures when gaming revenue fell to a monthly average of 20 billion pactacs or less. He said Macao might experience short-term uncertainty due to external financial environment, and stressed that the Government would closely monitor the situation from September to December and would consider introducing measures to tighten the use of public funds only when there was no surplus generated. Since 1 September, the Government launched retrenchment measures to control public expenditure, including a plan involving 1.4 billion patacas cost-cutting in government departments. But the measures will not affect government spending on social welfare, the Wealth Partaking scheme, and the Investment and Development Expenditure Scheme.
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“Macao Fuel Price Information Platform” mobile app developed by Macao Consumer Council provides the real time prices and the price discrepancies of various kinds of fuels. The app enhances the transparency of fuel prices and the Council recommends consumers to make good use of the information in the app to save money on fuel costs. The Council suggests consumers to make good use of the time lags for the price adjustments of various petrol brands The Council released its “Macao Fuel Price Information Platform” mobile app in April 2015 and requested the fuel suppliers and retailers to provide the Council with timely information for any price adjustment. Consumers can download the app to get the relevant news timely, or even earlier, by receiving the push notifications. As fuel suppliers and retailers have changed their strategies and do not adjust prices simultaneously, the information on price changes of various fuels brands found in the app becomes significant. For the first eight months of this year, the Council has recorded 18 times where various brands of diesel have not adjusted their prices on the same day; and 17 times were recorded for unleaded petrol accordingly. The number of days where retail prices of various diesel brands differed were within 1 to 7 days, while for unleaded petrol, the number of days differed were within 1 to 8 days. The Council states that consumers should utilize the information of the app, and make good use of the time lags for the price adjustments of various petrol brands to purchase petrol at the lowest price. Price differences of household LPG widen The app also provides prices and relevant information on household LPG and help consumers save money on fuel costs. The app provides the latest retail prices of household LPG for 40 retailers and the data found in the app shows that price differences of various household LPG widen consistently. The price differed from $2.79/kg in the beginning of the year to $3.90/kg in August, with a price discrepancy of around 30% in the first three quarters. The Council states if a family makes its choice with reference to the price discrepancy found, it can save around $360 each year, based on a monthly consumption of 2 tanks of 13.5kg household LPG. The Council stresses that the quality of LPG sold in Macao is under strict supervision of the competent departments, and therefore the quality is assured even if there is a price gap. QR code labels of the app are widely posted for consumers to scan The Council encourages consumers to make good use of the app and the push notifications sent to get the real time prices of various kinds of fuels. Consumers can simply make comparisons using the functions of the app and find the best price. Consumers are welcome to download the “Macao Fuel Prices Information Platform'’ app for free on the Council's website, or by scanning the QR code labels of the app posted in the service centres of various government departments. As petrol and LPG are important commodities, the Council urges the fuel suppliers to take their corporate social responsibility and cooperate with the Council and other relevant government departments to ensure consumers’ right to information and choice in the fuel market. For inquiry, please call 89889315.
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Adjacent to Macao’s world heritage icon, the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the Cinematheque-Passion located at the Travessa da Paixão will start an experimental operation from 14th September to 31st December 2015. A special screening of Guia in Love for the film industry will be held on 14th September. Concurrently, the “Temporary Venue Booking Programme of Cinematheque - Passion” will also kick off at night on 14th September, for which the film industry, filmmakers and film associations are welcome to reserve. During the experimental operation of the Cinematheque, a series of activities will be open for the public to participate. ‘Cinematheque - Passion’ is a three-storey building assembled with multiple functions including video storage, film journals and book loan service and film appreciation. On the ground floor are the ticket lobby, screening room and control room, primarily used for screening cultural and art films. Local film materials, periodicals and magazines are available for residents in the film information room on the first floor, while the office is located on the second floor. The establishment of the Cinematheque aims to promote Macao film culture by cultivating local film appreciation and providing a diversified choice of movies. Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Foundation, the film Guia in Love is directed by Leong Tak Sam and co-starred by actors and actresses from Hong Kong and Macao, including Macao singers Vivian Chan and Terence Chui. The theme song “Goodbye My Love” is composed by Macao musician Joe Lei. The film is a romantic comedy set against Macao’s historical background. Organised by the Macau Films & Television Productions and Culture Association, the special screening has invited guests and representatives from the film industry to attend the event. In order to make good use of the spatial resources of the venue, the Cultural Affairs Bureau launches the “Temporary Venue Booking Programme of Cinematheque - Passion” on 14th September. During its experimental operation, the ticket lobby and screening room will be open for film industry to reserve, starting from 14th September; while the film information room on the first floor is still in an preparatory stage. In addition, a series of activities will be held between October and December, including workshops and seminars. The Cultural Affairs Bureau hopes to continuously optimise the Cinematheque and its facilities by holding various activities during its experimental operation. For details of the Temporary Venue Booking Programme and the series of activities, please browse the Cultural Affairs Bureau website (www.icm.gov.mo) or Macao Cultural and Creative Industries Website (www.macaucci.com). For enquiries, please contact Mr. Leong at 2892 4040 during office hours.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) rolls out the “Experience Macau Carnival” Roadshow in Hong Kong during 12-13 September. To attract more visitors to Macau, the roadshow promotes the 62nd Macau Grand Prix and the “Parade through Macao, Latin City” as well as other upcoming events and festivals lined up for the latter half of the year. Featuring exhibitions and themed booths with interactive fun, the Carnival lets Hong Kong citizens experience Macau’s festive vibe in advance. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Deputy Director Cecilia Tse, Macau Grand Prix (MGP) Committee Coordinator João Manuel Costa Antunes and Vice-President of Macao Sport Development Board, Lao Cho Un officiated the opening ceremony of the "Experience Macau Carnival" Roadshow together with other MGP committee members and MGTO personnel today (12 September). Famous celebrities were invited to the opening ceremony held at APM Shopping Mall. Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung and Alex Fong Lik Sun, who will be racing at the Celebrity Cup Race of Macau Grand Prix this year, were invited to share on stage about their preparation for the race. Guest performer Terence Chui Chi Iong (Siufay) enlivened the roadshow with singing performance and shared his exclusive travel experience in Macau with the audience. Mini “Parade through Macao, Latin City” was put on show and fabulous prizes were given out to the audience through interactive games. To tie in MGTO’s promotion for “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Community” travel routes, the roadshow is themed as “Photos‧Macau” to encourage the public to explore Macau through the interactive photo booths, such as Macau 3D Photo Booth, Macau Magic Photo Booth, Ruin’s of St. Paul Lego® Model booth and Grand Prix Gas Station Instant Photo Booth. Visitors are encouraged to share their wonderful moments about Macau with family and friends by posting their photos onto social media. The roadshow features three highlight exhibitions themed as “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Community”, “10th Anniversary of the Inscription of ‘The Historic Centre of Macao’ on World Heritage List” and “Macau Grand Prix”. The roadshow displays classic Formula 3 racing cars along with Chrissie Chau’s race car in the upcoming Celebrity Cup Race for the first time. Visitors can also try the exciting fun of car racing on a Grand Prix simulator in the roadshow and get ready for the upcoming event in November. The festive atmosphere continues on 13 September, when Hong Kong celebrities King Kong and Kitty Yuen will compete in a chef cooking contest, and Macau singer Vivian Chan Wai Man will perform singing and share the latest travel tips about Macau’s walking tour routes. Artists Glen Lee Lam Yan and Bob Lam Chi Pok will also show up with their kids to talk about their family trip in Macau. To let Hong Kong citizens feel the lively ambience of “Parade through Macao, Latin City” in advance, Latin Face Painting workshops are held in the roadshow from 4pm to 5pm on both 12 and 13 September. Besides face painting, children are taught basic drawing skills to paint colorful pictures of Macau on hands at the workshops. During the roadshow, MGTO cooperates with six travel agencies in Hong Kong to offer special travel packages to Macau with exclusive offers, encouraging Hong Kong citizens to come and experience this fascinating city which brims with festive events in the upcoming months of 2015. This press release is available at: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/index.php
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The grand opening of the promotional campaign for the 62nd Macau Grand Prix was held on September 12 at apm in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, attracting a large number of residents and visitors who gained an in-depth overview of this internationally-renowned motor racing event in a lively and friendly atmosphere. The Macau Grand Prix Committee participated in the roadshow organised by the Macau Government Tourist Office on September 12 and 13, and the two-day event included a number of interactive exhibition areas, and display panels telling the fascinating history of the event and its famous Guia Circuit. The event roadshow was also an occasion to display the race-winning Formula 3 car of Takuma Sato, who took victory in 2001. The promotion also featured race simulation games which allowed visitors to experience the excitement of the Grand Prix first hand, while Grand Prix tickets and other items were prizes in interactive games.
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To support the development of Macao’s tourism industry, the security authorities continue to enhance the border crossing capacity and crowd control at popular tourist attractions, while ensuring residents' transportation and travel routes are unaffected. In recent years, the Public Security Police, the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau and the Macao Customs Service have introduced a variety of measures for convenient border crossing, and established close contact and cooperation with mainland China's immigration department, to provide efficient border crossing services. To date, 244 immigration counters and 251 e-Channel kiosks have been established at Macao border crossings. Together with the extension of border crossing opening hours, these have greatly enhanced Macao's border crossing capacity. From January to August this year, an average of 430,000 travellers were served at the border crossings each day, with the highest single-day record of 540,000 departures and arrivals. The situation indicated that relevant departments effectively handled the flows of travellers, and the peak flow of border crossings is still well below the overall capacity for receiving travellers. As more optimisation measures and facilities are introduced, Macao’s border crossing capacity will be further strengthened. Regarding order control at tourist attractions, the Unitary Police Service, the Public Security Police and Fire Service have implemented crowd management measures on four occasions around the Ruins of St Paul’s and Almeida Ribeiro Avenue since last year, achieving effective results. Following each occasion when crowd control measures were implemented, a review was conducted with all government departments concerned, aiming to optimise solutions, and jointly implement improvements to ensure that smooth crowd movements can be sustained without significant changes to the district. After the crowd control measures were implemented, numbers of border-crossing travellers continued to increase, and exceeded 500,000 per day several times. However, the situation did not trigger the implementation of crowd control measures, indicating that the management solutions have successfully enhanced the district’s tourism carrying capacity. Even so, all departments have contingency plans should crowd control prove necessary. In addition, from early this year, the Public Security Police deploys tourist policemen at 10 popular tourist spots – such as the Largo do Senado, the Ruins of St Paul’s and the A-Ma Temple, to prevent and combat crimes, handle requests for help, and appraise crowd movements to enable prompt interventions if required. The overall aim is to enhance crowd management and control of public order in tourist areas. To ensure convenient travelling and transport for local residents and tourists, the Public Security Police closely monitors traffic conditions every day, aiming to maintain smooth traffic flows. At areas neighbouring tourist spots, traffic police and tourist police cooperate to establish an early warning mechanism regarding traffic in tourist areas. This helps the authorities to intervene before traffic problems occur. When necessary, the Public Security Police also cooperate with the Government Tourist Office and the Transport Bureau to provide information about traffic conditions at tourist spots or diversions, enabling drivers and travellers to take alternative routes. These measures are implemented to avoid over crowding at tourist areas and ensure local residents’ daily travel is not affected by the numbers and movements of tourists. At present, the security authorities can effectively handle the border crossing services, traffic management and public order control. With the ability to maintain a high standard of public order, optimise police deployment and flexibly allocate resources, the authorities will strive to serve and host more visitors, and uphold Macao’s image as a liveable and tourist-friendly leisure city.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on moon cakes from 7-9 September for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For inquiry, please call the Council’s hotline: 8988 9315.
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