News

According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply continued to grow in May. As total loans increased at a faster pace than total deposits, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector rose from a month earlier. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits grew 0.9% and 5.0% respectively. M1 thus increased 4.3% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities grew 1.6%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, increased 1.9% to MOP473.8 billion. On an annual basis, M1 dropped 1.1% whereas M2 rose 16.3%. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 23.9%, down 0.4 percentage points from a month ago or 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 49.2%, virtually unchanged from the previous month but down 5.9 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits increased 1.9% from the preceding month to MOP464.2 billion. Of which, MOP deposits, HKD deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 0.2%, 1.9% and 3.5%. Non-resident deposits rose 3.1% to MOP208.9 billion. Public sector deposits with the banking sector also increased 1.8% to MOP87.6 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 2.2% from a month earlier to MOP760.6 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 18.3% and 39.9% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 2.5% from a month ago to MOP299.5 billion. Among which, MOP84.8 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP189.8 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 28.3% and 63.4% of the total respectively. On the other hand, external loans rose 3.5% to MOP317.0 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 1.7% (MOP5.4 billion) and 21.8% (MOP69.2 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios The loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-May rose 0.3 percentage points from the previous month to 54.3%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors also grew by 0.6 percentage points to 81.1%. Detailed Monetary and Financial Statistics are available in the latest issue of Monthly Bulletin of Monetary Statistics on AMCM Internet Website. (http://www.amcm.gov.mo/publication/Publication.htm)
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, attended the meeting of the Macao organizing committee (OC) for the 8th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting at the Government Headquarters this morning where the Macao OC members briefed him on the preparatory work for the event, which is progressing smoothly. A joint press conference will be held next Tuesday by the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Chief Executive's Office and Secretary-General of the Macao OC, Mr Alexis Tam, and all departments concerned, to give the public details of the event. During the meeting, Mr Tam reported on the overall progress with preparations in the past few months. The Macao OC has held three co-ordination meetings with the National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and corresponding departments in the mainland, and the overall arrangements for the ministerial meeting are confirmed and implemented. The government departments responsible for tourism, information, security and protocol also reported on meeting schedules and venue arrangements, news coverage and promotion support, security, protocol, human resources and recruitment of volunteers. Details were discussed and further decisions were made during the meeting. The Chief Executive re-iterated that the forthcoming APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting is an important mission of Macao, assigned by the Central People's Government, and one of the most important tasks of the Macao SAR this year. Through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the CNTA, the Macao OC and the government departments concerned, there is smooth and orderly progress with preparations, and comprehensive arrangements have been made. With support from other government departments, the Macao OC will continue striving to ensure this year's APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting will be safe and successful. Other officials attending this morning's meeting included Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U; Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam; Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Commissioner of the Public Security Police, Mr Ma Io Kun; Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; Acting Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Ms Lei Ut Mui; Director of Financial Services Bureau, Ms Vitória Alice Maria da Conceição; and Advisor to the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ko Chin Hung. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and China is once again the APEC host country. With the blessing of the Central People's Government, the Macao SAR Government will host the upcoming APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting 2014. To make sound preparations for organizing a successful tourism ministerial meeting and achieving the goal of the Central People's Government, the Chief Executive signed an Executive Order in January to set up an organizing committee for the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting, which is responsible for all co-ordination work. The order clearly indicates that all public departments and bodies must offer assistance if requested by the organizing committee.
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Consumer Council conducted its first 'Supermarket price survey' in July on 2 July 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), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. 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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After the Master Chef Demonstration Workshop on Mexican & Peruvian Cuisine held on 19 & 26 June respectively, the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) together with the Consulate General of Argentina in Hong Kong and Macao SAR, and the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America (MAPEAL) hosted the Argentinian Cuisine Cooking Demonstration Workshop on 3 July, helping hospitality and food and beverage professionals understand more about Argentinian cuisine, Chef Sebastian Jose Guevara was invited to share the concepts of Argentinian cuisine and several recipes. Consul Mr. Luciano Battaglia (on behalf of the Consul General Mr. Gustavo Fazzari), also attended and supported the event. Chef Sebastian Jose Guevara possesses over 20 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industry in different countries. With his broad culinary experience, he has travelled around the world for work and he had been the head chef in renowned restaurants located in Argentina, Chile, Singapore and Hong Kong SAR. He hopes to bring insights and to spread the main features of Argentinian cuisine to the general public through Argentinian gastronomy classes, seminars and workshops. He is enthusiastic in sharing his culinary skill to young chefs, training the new generation so as to spread the Argentinian culinary culture. The workshop was composed of five sessions: introduction to Argentinian culinary arts and its ingredients, introducing the recipes and preparing ingredients, key issues of the production process, demonstration, food tasting and Q&A. Three dishes were demonstrated at the workshop: Focaccia with tomatoes and toppings, braided tenderloin with Bone marrow potato with red bell pepper pesto and chimichurri, bread pudding with bananas and walnuts. The workshop attracted a total of 32 chefs from hotels and restaurants. Participants not only gained basic knowledge about Argentinian cuisine through the demonstration, but also experienced the whole production process, and tasted the Argentinian delicacies. IFT has always been dedicated to organise promotions of different ethnic cuisines for local industry and the public. In the past 3 weeks, IFT held Master Chef Cooking Demonstration on Mexican, Peruvian and Argentinian cuisines to promote Latin American culinary culture. At the same time, it aroused the interests of food service industry in Macao to explore more ideas in cooking. Through "Master Chef Cooking Demo Series", IFT forms a communication platform for local and overseas chefs. The institute will make more efforts to offer more training programmes and events to help enhance the knowledge and skills of industry professionals.
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The University of Macau (UM) recently held the Joint Meeting of the University Assembly (UA) and University Council (UC) for the 2013/2014 academic year on the new campus. Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao SAR, chancellor of UM, and chair of the UA, presided over the meeting and discussed strategies for UM's future development with the participants. At the meeting, Chui first thanked UA and UC members for having put forward many valuable suggestions over the years which contributed to the university's progress, noting that building a new campus had been everyone's longtime common wish and attending the UAUC Joint Meeting on the new campus for the first time made him feel a lot of emotions. Chui said that in the process of building the new campus, the central government had provided great support. He particularly thanked Edmund Ho Hau Wah, then chief executive of the Macao SAR, for advocating the construction of a new campus on Hengqin. Chui said looking back, the process of constructing a new campus had been fraught with difficulties, but the goal was achieved in the end. He expressed hope that all members of the UM community would continue to support UM's development in the future. Cheong U, secretary for social affairs and culture of Macao SAR, reported the progress of the revision of the UM Charter. He noted that the revision of the Charter was carried out to keep pace with the international trend in higher education, and the purpose of the revision is to optimise the existing structure of UM and find a more suitable mode of governance to give the university greater flexibility and autonomy in management and operation. Cheong noted that the process of revising the Charter was a complex one, but thanks to the great collaboration between the various departments and the numerous meetings of the cross-departmental task force, an actionable draft plan had been proposed within the legal framework of Macao. Cheong encouraged those involved in the Charter revision to continue to work hard to help UM complete the Charter revision as soon as possible. UM Rector Wei Zhao reported the latest developments of the university, including the objectives and progress in student education and scientific research management, the operation of the new campus, the progress of the implementation of the "4-in-1" model of education, the reform of the mode of governance, and the challenges in meeting the expectations of the government and society. Rector Wei Zhao stressed that UM would develop step by step, and would continue to do its best to promote communication and interaction with the public. He said UM would arrange for local and overseas visitors to visit the new campus through the Guided New Campus Tour programme to let them know more about UM's long-range plan for education, and would also enhance the "software" of the university by optimising the mode of governance, management procedures, curriculum, and campus culture. Wei Zhao added that on the academic front, UM would optimise the postgraduate sponsorship programme, and would continue to provide support for the two state key labs, including support in facilities and staffing. Wei Zhao noted that UM would maintain close ties and share resources with the community through various means, including opening sports and cultural facilities to the public, establishing a higher education information centre, and providing professional, high-quality consultancy service. He said UM would continue to cooperate with the Tertiary Education Services Office of Macao SAR on its work on the higher education evaluation system and would provide full support for higher education quality assurance in Macao. The UA and the UC consist of prominent members of the community, UM's management, and representatives of faculty members, students, and alumni. The following people attended the UAUC Joint Meeting: Chui Sai On, Tse Chi Wai, Lei Pui Lam, Lam Kam Seng, Wong Chong Fat, Ng Fok, Vitor Ng, Lei Pang Chu, Siu Yin Wai, Zhou Ligao, Maria Edith da Silva, Ma Iao Lai, Susana Chou, Leong Vai Tac, Joaquim Jorge Perestrelo Neto Valente, D José Lai, Tong Chi Kin, Kou Kam Fai, Au Chong Kit, Leong Heng Teng, Choi Koon Shum, Huen Wing Ming, Leong Lai, Vitória Alice Maria da Conceição, Sou Chio Fai, Ung Chi Keong, Wei Zhao, Fan Xitao, Rui Martins, Haydn Chen, Alex Lai, Hao Yufan, Shijian Mo, Xu Jie, Rose Lai, Ao Peng Kong, Kot Man Kam, Leong Wai Lok, and Wu Wai Heng. Those who sat in on the meeting included Cheong U, secretary for social affairs and culture of Macao SAR; Tam Chon Weng, chief of the Office of the Chief Executive; and Cheung So Mui, chief of the Office of Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR.
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A delegation of representatives from the Architects Association of Macau led by Cheong Cheok Kio, head of the Cultural Heritage Department of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, went to Venice, Italy to officiate the opening of the Macao Pavilion in the 14th Venice Biennale of Architecture, held on 5 June. Lao Iong, head of the Urban Planning Department of the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau and Leong Chong In, President of the Architects Association of Macau were invited to participate in the ceremony. Boyce Lam, head of the Special Projects Division of the Cultural Affairs Bureau and other relevant representatives also attended the ceremony. The 14th edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale runs from June to November [2014]. Hosted since 1980, the Venice Architecture Biennale has become one of the most influential international major events in the architectural arts circle and academia, providing a powerful communication platform for professionals worldwide to exchange their views on architectural arts and culture. The Biennale's curator, Rem Koolhaas – Professor of Practice of Architecture and Urban Design at Harvard University Graduate School of Design – was responsible for the theme of this edition of the exhibition: 'Fundamentals.' This year the exhibition is oriented towards research narrating the architectural development of the last 100 years to assess how urban landscape development is influenced by modern styles and how it looks like today. A total of 65 countries participate in the Biennale. The national pavilions conform to the subtheme 'Absorbing Modernity', offering an analysis of the history and modernisation process of each country and how modern architecture gradually developed an independent quality in these places. The exhibition sections are located in two areas, namely Arsenale and Giardini, showcasing the progress of global urbanization as well as the development status and integration of old and new architecture through design, video, installation, public art, case studies and conversations, and offering an important communication platform for professionals from different places around the world to exchange their views on the architectural arts and culture. It is the first time Macao is represented in this important exhibition, a participation organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and co-organised by the Architects Association of Macau. The Macao Pavilion is themed 'Happiness Square'. The word 'square' is translated from the Portuguese 'largo', an important urban site in the daily life and festive activities of the population. The 'largo' is one of the architectural characteristics of Macao and a symbol of the city's past of cultural fusion, featuring colourful buildings of western and eastern inspiration, as well as the citizens' daily lifestyle. The interaction of these buildings and daily life facilitates the emergence of a strong cultural vitality, echoing the theme of the exhibition 'Fundamentals.' The Macao Pavilion comprises four parts: 'Low Stool? Yes, More!'; 'From Below to Above'; 'Listen to the Heart' and 'The Added Layer.' These represent, respectively, the low seats in coffee stalls, the assorted decorative and floral patterns in temples and churches, the sounds of different Macao festivals and ambiences, and architectural elements featured in the external walls of old buildings, immersed in Macao characteristics which reveal the unique cultural heritage of the territory, its architectural features and traces of the citizens' quotidian. The Macao Pavilion in the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale is located next to the ticket office at Arsenale close to the main entrance of the area. The Biennale is open to the public from 7 June to 23 November. For details, please log onto: www.labiennale.org/en/architecture/news/22-04.html.
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Consumer Council conducted its eighth 'Supermarket price survey' in June on 30 June for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Taipa area. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. 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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The Macao Franchise Expo 2014 (2014MFE) will be held from 4 July to 6 July 2014 in Exhibition Hall "A" of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The expo aims to cultivate entrepreneurship among a new generation of aspiring businesspeople and to encourage the creation of new branded products This year's event attracts more overseas exhibitors and well-known brands to showcase a wide range of products and services. The organisers are also introducing more activities to make it easier for the general public to have a better understanding of franchise and chain businesses. By organising various activities during the expo, the organisers hope that enterprises and individuals attending the event this year have a good chance of finding ideal matches and business opportunities. Increased exhibitors and wider variety 2014MFE is jointly organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM); Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF); Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan (ACFPT); Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA); Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association (MCFA); and Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong (LFA), and supported by Chinese Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and Japan Franchise Association (JFA).
There are 170 exhibitors this year, an increase of 5.9% compared to last year, coming from Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland and Vietnam, representing more than 100 franchisors, chain operators and brand agencies. Among them, there are groups of exhibitors organized by different franchise associations and organizations from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Portugal and Singapore. MFE is committed to promoting and establishing a business platform to welcome exhibitors from diverse industries and world-renowned brands that are looking for business partners in Macao, which facilitates trade and exchanges between local, Mainland China and Southeast Asian markets.
Apart from general industries, such as food and beverage, retail, education, leisure and entertainment, finance, real estate and professional consultancy services, the show is also hosting exhibitors from emerging industries such as pet beauty, animation-style interior design, hairdressing, and photography. One of the highlights this year is the Fujian Street, where exhibitors from the Fujian province will display their products. The Macao Ideas will also set up a booth showcasing Made-in-Macao products, as well as promoting the city's cultural and creative industries. A total of about 30 trade promotion associations, industrial and commercial associations, youth entrepreneur associations and other business organisations are organizing more than 500 professional visitors to Macao to attend the 2014MFE. Large companies and hotel and entertainment agencies are also represented. It is believed exhibitors, professional visitors and visitors will have a good change of finding a suitable partner or business deal at 2014MFE. Some exhibiting brands will also offer various incentive packages during the expo. Well-known and international brands The 2014MFE is in its sixth year and continues to promote local brands on the international stage as well as attracting greater numbers of well-known and international brands to invest in Macao. The annual event has become a regional brand trade cooperation platform. In the past few years, participants successfully found their ideal partner through the MFE. Among them, several overseas brands have also found suitable franchisees in Macao. MFE continues to play a role in the region as a franchise platform. With more activities organised during 2014MFE, it expects to improve the experience of exhibitors and visitors, enhancing the opportunities for successful business deals. Entrepreneurs may also look for the right opportunities at the MFE to expand their companies' brands and shape their direction, development and potential. As a regional franchise and brand exhibition MFE continues to attract local and overseas brands. This year they include YuLoong Taiwan (dumplings eatery), Waffle Waffle, Chongqing Cygent (hotpot restaurant), brunch specialist Caffé Italiano, Beijing's Hanor Weiye Leather Cleaning Maintenance Service, Chongsan Metro-Mall, New Zealand Esquires Coffee Houses, and Latvian Attirance natural cosmetics.
As a trade and business platform for Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking countries, MFE also attracts the participation from franchisors of Portugal and Brazil. A Portuguese brand agency will introduce various brands to this year's event. Brazil's São Paulo Football Club, the 2012 Copa Total Sudamericana champion, is already franchised in Macau and has established in the city its first football school in Asia. With a wider variety of exhibitor brands and industries, the MFE will again create exceptional opportunities to invest in quality franchises. Multiple services and comprehensive support The expo has also received support from local and overseas organisations. During the three-day event, the organisers will promote several initiatives to support business matching and potential deals. There will be a "one-stop service" to assist investors with financing, trade and legal advice. Experts inside the Brand Re-packaging Pavilion will provide advice to business beginners and small- and medium-sized enterprises to leverage their brand image. The organiser has invited representatives from Mainland China, Singapore and Taiwan, as well as local counterparts to share insights and provide tailor-made opinions to enterprises for business planning, retail channels, product packaging and strategies for development. The MFE has become an effective platform for enterprises from various countries and regions to explore and take advantage of chain and franchising opportunities. The theme of the expo this year will be starting a business through franchising, especially for youth entrepreneurs. The organisers have cooperated with various organisations, including the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Macao to hold seminars for business start-ups. Franchise experts will deliver talks to the public, providing legal and financial counselling, as well as explaining business promotion techniques and market trends, in order to help businesspeople better prepare a potential venture. The 2014MFE has also invited entrepreneurs and the youth television programme "I Am Boss," to share the pains and joys of entrepreneurship and of the entrepreneurial process Exploring future prospects and joining the market In previous editions of MFEs, overseas exhibitors and attendees expressed the interest to gain more market information and explore the Macao and South China consumer markets. This year there will be a site-visit programme to these markets. On 7 July after the close of the show, there will be multi-site tour for MFE exhibitors and participants, including districts and cities like Hengqin Island and Zhongshan. It is hoped such site-visit would strengthen the awareness about the different consumer markets and entice delegates' interest in investing in Macao and southern China markets, hence enhances MFE's role as a platform promoting franchise development in the regional market. Several concurrent events will also be held during the three-day event, which include: a reception on 4 July to mark the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association; the Franchise Awards ceremony hosted by the Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association; and on 5 July the seminar "Change Packaging to Enhance the Value of Goods". Convenient shuttle services for the public As in previous MFEs, there will be a Food and Beverages Tasting Zone, as well as a multifunctional area allowing organisers and exhibitors to promote and demonstrate their products. In response to requests from younger businesspeople and small- and medium-sized enterprises, the opening hours of the first two days of the MFE will be extended to 8:00 pm. The first day, 4 July, will be open to business professionals only. On 5 and 6 July, the event will be open to the public. Business representatives and the general public are all welcome to visit the expo. For the public's convenience, two shuttle bus service routes will be available free of charge on Saturday and Sunday with shuttle buses between urban areas and the MFE venue departing every half an hour. Parking at the MFE venue will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.
For any enquiries, please contact the secretariat of 2014MFE, on (853) 8798 9675, or via email: sec@mfe.mo or visit the MFE official website: www.mfe.mo.
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The Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) emphasises on both theoretical and practical learning. Students can perform a 6-month internship programme in Macao or choose to conduct it abroad in organisations which are related to their specialisations, so as to apply the theory and practical techniques they have learnt in classes to actual work environment. Through the practicum classes in the first-year study and the internship in the third-year study, and organising different events throughout their university life, students are able to get in touch with the community and have a better understanding of the real working environment in order to get ready for their future career. Besides studies, IFT always support students to join public activities in the areas of sport, culture, language, art and creativity, etc., to maintain their mental and physical well-being. In the academic year of 2013/14, IFT students participated in various extra-curricular activities and achieved outstanding results in sports events: - Macao Open Taekwondo Championship 2013 - Black Belt Female's Individual Poomsae and Man 84kg+ Sparring Competition - the Champion - The 18th Asian Cities Gold Cup Taekwondo Championships - Female Poomsae Team – the 2nd Runner-up
- The Eastern Dragon Taekwondo Federation Hong Kong 19th Championships - Man 84kg+ Sparring Competition - the Champion
- 2013/14 Macao University Badminton Championship - Men's Singles - the 2nd Runner-up
- 2013/14 Macao University Student Fencing Championship - Women Foil & Woman Epee - the Champion - Malaysia Open 2014 Swimming Championship - 100m Breaststroke Men & Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay - the 2nd Runner-up Other than sports activities, students also enthusiastically engaged and performed very well in other activities such as the 2nd Young Macanese Cooking Competition, the 14th Macao Student Pop Music Singing Competition, the 11th Macao Inter-Tertiary Debate Competition, etc. IFT has been offering various types of extra-curricular activities for students, including jazz dance, hip hop dance, belly dance, step aerobics, dragon boat, fencing, squash, volleyball, badminton, taekwondo, English/Mandarin debate, Korean, French, Cantonese and Mandarin for foreigners, professional etiquette, water-colour painting, Adobe Illustrator、Adobe Photoshop and IFT Volunteer Circle. IFT hopes that students can effectively utilise their spare time, participate in more extra-curricular activities to get to know new people and new trend in order to broaden their view and social network, these are all the essentials that tourism professionals should possess.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tour increased by 21% year-on-year to 925,000 in May 2014. Attributable to the Labour Day holidays, visitors from Mainland China (734,000) recorded an increase of 25%, with 240,000 coming from Guangdong Province. Visitors from Taiwan (62,000) surged by 50% and those from Hong Kong (33,000) increased by 3%; meanwhile, visitors from the Republic of Korea (27,000) decreased by 2%. In the first five months of 2014, visitor arrivals in package tour reached 4,449,000, up by 16% year-on-year. Outbound residents using services of travel agencies were 116,000 in May, up by 2% year-on-year; those travelling in package tour totalled 47,000 and the main destinations were Mainland China (70% of total), Taiwan (8%) and the Republic of Korea (7%). In the first five months of 2014, outbound residents totalled 585,000, up by 1% year-on-year. There were 99 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of May 2014, providing 28,000 guest rooms, down by 1% year-on-year; 5-star hotels accounted for 66% of the total supply, with 18,000 rooms. A total of 886,000 guests checked into hotels and guesthouses in May 2014, down by 3% year-on-year, of which guests from Hong Kong (103,000) decreased by 29%. Guests staying in 5-star hotels accounted for 58% of the total. The average length of stay of guests was 1.4 nights, up by 0.1 night year-on-year. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses increased by 7 percentage points year-on-year to 86%, with 4-star hotels leading at 88%. In the first five months of 2014, hotel guests totalled 4,438,000, up by 2% year-on-year; the average occupancy rate stood at 86%, an increase of 7 percentage points. In the first five months of 2014, visitor-guests accounted for 70% of the total overnight visitors, down by 2 percentage points year-on-year.
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