News

According to preliminary statistics, visitor arrivals to Macau numbered 1,054,183 (including foreign employees and students) from 31 January to 6 February (Golden Week Holidays in the Mainland), registering a growth of 13% over the corresponding occasion last year. Over 770,000 out of the overall visitors came from Mainland China, an increase of 23%. The data provided by the hotel industry show that the average occupancy rate of three to five star hotels reached 94.4% during the Golden Week, a year-on-year rise of 5.4%. The current total of rooms supplied by all hotels and guest houses in Macau surged up to 28,890 rooms. The three-star and four-star hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 93.3% and 92.8% respectively, an increase of 4.3% and 5.7%, whereas five-star hotels had an average occupancy rate of 97.2%, which rose by 6.3%. The average room rate of three to five star hotels in Macau was 2,387 patacas during the Golden Week, which increased by 17.5%. The average room rate of guest houses was 764 patacas, a year-on-year increase of 18.9%, while the average room rates of two-star and three-star hotels were 1,215 and 2,386 patacas, a rise of 12.4% and 19.4% respectively. On the other hand, the average room rates of four-star and five-star hotels were 2,175 and 2,601 patacas respectively, an increase of 19.7% and 14% accordingly. Before and during Spring Festival, MGTO was actively preparing for the peak period in various ways by activating the tourism notification system, increasing inspection duties, sending reminders to the trade regarding various concerns, printing/distributing local food guide and carrying out a range of Lunar New Year celebrations, etc. The Office strives not only to cater for citizens and visitors' needs but also to optimize local tourism environment and service quality through various measures. MGTO presented a series of mega outdoor celebrations for Spring Festival again this year including "Parade of Gigantic Golden Dragon", "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse" and "Fireworks Display for the Celebration of 2014 Chinese New Year". Special Chinese New Year festivities were also held along the four walking tour routes of the project "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities", which are expected to extend visitors' length of stay in Macau and divide visitor trends around town. In addition, MGTO will keep evaluating and improving its event arrangement and program regularly. MGTO has been regularly releasing the room rates of Macau hotels and guest houses in different room categories on its website so that visitors can obtain the latest information. Before Spring Festival arrived, the Office also sent out Wechat and mobile text messages to Mainland residents who planned to visit Macau during the Golden Week, advising them to make room reservation in advance and to check hotel room rates on MGTO's website if needed; to ensure visitors have more travel tips in hand, the Office also encouraged visitors to download travel information before their trip to Macau or to obtain printed materials at MGTO's Tourist Information counters for free upon arrival. MGTO and Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province jointly put "Tourism Notification System for Spring Festival Golden Week" into operation from 27 January until 7 February. The Office also collaborated with relevant departments and tourism reception entities to facilitate hospitality work for visitors during Spring Festival Golden Week. MGTO conducted 64 inspections in total at various border ports and tourist spots. From 31 January to 6 February, MGTO sealed two premises allegedly operated as illegal accommodation. MGTO's Tourist Information counters and tourism hotline service operated as usual during the holidays. MGTO's tourism hotline 2833 3000 maintained its 24-hour operator service to answer visitors' enquiries. During Chinese New Year, MGTO received a total of 16 complaints/assistance requests/suggestions from visitors regarding taxi, shopping, hotels and tour guide service. MGTO has followed up or transferred the cases to relevant entities for settlement. This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
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Consumer Council conducted its second 'Supermarket price survey' for February on 7th February for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 8 supermarkets in Toi San, Ilha Verde and Fai Chi Kei areas 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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Consumer Council conducted its first 'Supermarket price survey' for February on 5th February for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th 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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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply decreased in December. As total deposits increased at a slightly faster pace than total loans, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector dropped marginally from a month earlier. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits grew 1.4% and 4.8% respectively. M1 thus increased 4.2% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities dropped 1.7%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, decreased 1.0% to MOP441.4 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 23.7% and 17.7% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 24.1%, up 0.3 percentage points from a month ago but down 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 53.3%, up 0.5 percentage points month-to-month but down 2.5 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits dropped 1.0% from the preceding month to MOP432.4 billion. Of which, MOP deposits increased 0.2%, HKD deposits kept virtually unchanged whereas other foreign currency deposits dropped 4.5%. Non-resident deposits rose 0.5% to MOP174.1 billion. Public sector deposits with the banking sector also increased 8.4% to MOP73.6 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 0.3% from a month earlier to MOP680.1 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 19.8% and 43.7% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 1.0% from a month ago to MOP257.3 billion. Among which, MOP79.6 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP156.6 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 30.9% and 60.9% of the total respectively. Analysed by economic sector, "non-monetary financial institutions", "exhibition and conference" and "transport, warehouse and communications" increased at respective rates of 109.0%, 34.3% and 14.3% compared with a quarter ago, whereas "restaurants, hotels and similar", "manufacturing industries" and "electricity, gas and water" dropped 22.2%, 14.5% and 14.0% respectively. External loans decreased 0.5% to MOP277.5 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 1.7% (MOP4.7 billion) and 22.1% (MOP61.2 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios The loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-December rose 0.4 percentage points from the previous month to 50.8%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors dropped marginally by 0.1 percentage point to 78.6%. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for December 2013 amounted to MOP920 million, up by 35% year-on-year; value of domestic exports (MOP189 million) edged down by 1%, but that of re-exports (MOP731 million) rose by 49%. Total merchandise import reached MOP 8.15 billion, up by 23% year-on-year, of which imports of Gold jewellery and Watches surged by 95% and 78% respectively. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP7.23 billion for December 2013. In the fourth quarter of 2013, total value of merchandise export (MOP2.36 billion) and merchandise import (MOP22.66 billion) increased by 18% and 20% respectively year-on-year, resulting in a trade deficit of MOP20.29 billion. For the whole year of 2013, total value of merchandise export increased by 11% year-on-year to MOP9.09 billion; value of domestic exports (MOP2.01 billion) shrank by 12% year-on-year, whereas value of re-exports (MOP7.08 billion) increased by 21%, with its share in total merchandise export rising to 78%. Domestic demand and visitor spending expanded, bringing the total value of merchandise import up by 14% year-on-year to a record high of MOP81.01 billion. Merchandise trade deficit was MOP71.92 billion in 2013. Analysed by destination, merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP4.86 billion) and Mainland China (MOP1.61 billion) in 2013 increased by 19% and 17% respectively year-on-year, while export to the USA (MOP365 million) and the EU (MOP281 million) decreased by 28% and 11% respectively. In addition, exports of Non-textiles (MOP8.25 billion) in 2013 expanded by 16% year-on-year, of which exports of Electronic components (MOP962 million) and Diamond & diamond jewellery (MOP510 million) surged by 53% and 155% respectively. Exports of Textiles & garments (MOP847 million) decreased by 20%, of which exports of Knitted or crocheted garments (MOP293 million) declined by 29%. By country of origin, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP26.41 billion) and the EU (MOP18.79 billion) in 2013 increased by 14% and 13% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 19% to MOP51.65 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP9.67 billion), Watches (MOP6.50 billion) and Beauty, cosmetic & skin-care products (MOP2.68 billion) increasing by 31%, 26% and 66% respectively. External merchandise trade reached MOP90.11 billion in 2013, up by 14% compared with MOP79.09 billion in 2012.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the average daily wage of construction workers increased by 1.3% quarter-to-quarter to MOP636 in the fourth quarter of 2013, in which the average daily wage of local construction workers amounted to MOP804, up by 3.6%. The average daily wage of skilled & semi-skilled workers was MOP642, an increase of 1.1% quarter-to-quarter, and that of unskilled workers was MOP358, down by 4.5%. Analysed by occupation, average daily wage of electricians & electrical workers and scaffolders was MOP697 and MOP670 respectively, up by 13.5% and 6.7% quarter-to-quarter; however, average daily wage of iron workers decreased by 6.2% to MOP640. After discounting the effect of inflation, in the fourth quarter of 2013, wage index of construction workers (90.3) edged up by 0.4% quarter-to-quarter in real terms, on account of rising wage indices of electricians & electrical workers (+12.2%) and bricklayers & plasterers (+4.0%); meanwhile, wage index of fire service mechanics and carpenters dropped by 7.1% and 5.7% respectively. Moreover, wage index of local construction workers (110.7) increased by 2.9% quarter-to-quarter in real terms. For the whole year of 2013, the average wage index of construction workers (89.2) rose by 0.9% year-on-year in real terms, and that of local construction workers (105.5) increased by 5.6%. As regards construction materials, average price of concrete held stable as the previous quarter, at MOP586 per cubic metre in the fourth quarter of 2013; average price of spiral & round reinforcing steel bars increased by 1.8%, at MOP5,074 per tonne. The price index of construction materials for residential buildings (124.0) in the fourth quarter of 2013 increased slightly by 0.3% quarter-to-quarter; the average index for 2013 (122.1) rose by 1.7% year-on-year.
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Please be informed that, starting from 9:00a.m. on 14th February, 2014, the new label stamps "Lunar Year of the Horse" will be available for sale at the designated automatic stamp vending machines as below: No. LOCATION
1 Praça 1 de Outubro – near Headquarter of Police Station
3 Praça Ramalho Eanes, Coloane
4 General Post Office
9 Av. Tamagnini Barbosa - near BCM
11 Rua do Campo – near Delta Bank
13 Between a Alameda da Tranquilidade and Avenida do Hipódromo
14 Av. da Praia Grande - between BNU and BCM
15 Communications Museum, Ground Floor
18 Between Rua Fernão Mendes Pinto and Avenida Olímpica, Taipa
20 Rua de Roma – near Block 2 of Hang Kei Garden – NAPE
22 Avenida de Venceslau de Morais - between Tai Fung Bank
25 In front of A Ma Temple
27 Almirante Lacerda Post Office, Av. do Ouvidor Arriaga
29 Praça de Ponte e Horta
30 General Post Office
32 Ferry Terminal – Arrival Level
33 Avenida de Venceslau de Morais, Estação de Mong Ha
35 Municipal Market, Taipa
36 Av. do Coronel Mesquita, near the Sport Stadium of Escola D. Bosco The service of the relevant machines will be temporarily suspended for the installation of the new label stamps from 3:00p.m. on 13th February, 2014. And the service will be resumed one after another on the next day after 9:00a.m. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) unveiled the "Joyous Celebration to the Bountiful Year of the Horse" – the mega outdoor Chinese New Year festivities tonight (2 February) to celebrate the joy of Spring Festival with citizens and visitors. The program includes the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse", performances jointly presented by 1,000 performers, fireworks show and float display, etc. Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Chui Sai On; Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, Cheong U; MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Acting Chairman of Administration Committee of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Vong Iao Lek; President of Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Ung Vai Meng; Acting President of Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB), José Tavares and Assistant Director of Asia Tourism Exchange Center Ltd. of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Liu Xiao Hui hosted the launch ceremony along with other guests at the square in front of Macau Science Center at 8 p.m. The floats and performing groups then marched along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen until they reached the destination at Sai Van Lake Square before Macau Tower. Stage performances also began on Sai Van Lake Square at 8:45 p.m. Upon the parade's arrival at Sai Van Lake Square, some of the performing teams went on stage to join the performance. A fireworks show then dazzled the night sky at 10 p.m. A total of 13 floats joined the parade this year. The theme of MGTO's float is "Touching Moments, Experience Macau". Its background decorations manifest the mingled beauty of East and West culture, which contrasts finely with the festive culture of Chinese New Year; the head of the float resembles a crown whereas both sides of the float come with five hexagonal light boxes connected all together by the design of colored ribbon. Golden coins are spinning at the center of the float, a prosperous and auspicious symbol for Macau which also bestows wishes of overflowing wealth and happiness for all citizens. On the other hand, the main design of IACM's float revolves around the Chinese Zodiac sign "Horse" while IC's float is designed to boost the joyful ambience of Spring Festival. For China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), its float displays the theme "Beautiful China Tour", the overall image of China tourism in 2014. The sponsors of the parade floats include China National Tourism Administration, Exmoo News, Macau Legend Development Ltd., Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., Galaxy Entertainment Group, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, Suncity Group, City of Dreams, Wynn Macau and MGM MACAU. The nine floats are decorated mainly to present their enterprises' image. On the other hand, TurboJET and Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre are the performance sponsors. There are three performance themes in the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse", namely "Flourishing Year of Great Opportunities, "Embrace Infinite Prosperity" and "Rejoice in Harmony". Aside from 23 local groups of artists performing along the way, the Office has invited eight performing groups from different countries and regions including the Mainland; Hong Kong; Taiwan, China; Malaysia; Japan; Indonesia; Korea and Portugal for a more colorful and fascinating event. The event involves 1,118 performers in total. The organizer has arranged special shuttle bus service during 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. to transport spectators from the central and northern district to the event venue, which enabled locals and visitors to arrive conveniently and enjoy the lively moments. MGTO live broadcasted the parade through the LED screens at Macau Science Center, Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva, Iao Hon Market Garden, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre as well as Largo dos Bombeiros in Taipa so that spectators can enjoy the spectacular show of the whole parade. At the same time, TDM and Macau Cable TV live broadcasted the parade and recorded the show for subsequent broadcast; the show will also be broadcasted on TVB Jade channel in Hong Kong later. Aside from performers, there were 1,000 staff and volunteers participating in the event. To encourage public involvement, MGTO has co-launched a mobile text message game with Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM), inviting citizens to choose their favorite team among local performing groups on the third night of Lunar New Year. The most popular team will be invited to join the Popular Street Marching Parades in Lisbon, Portugal. Citizens who have voted the winning team will enter the lucky draw for a chance to travel with MGTO and the team to Portugal for the aforementioned event. In addition, 20 citizens who joined the game will be given a souvenir. MGTO also supports the photography competition organized by The Photographic Society of Macau and The Photography Salon Society of Macau for the mega celebration event. The 13 floats in the Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse will be showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square respectively from 3 – 16 February. The illuminations of the floats will be on from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. during the above period. On the ninth day of Lunar New Year, the Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse will again feature 13 floats which will set off from Avenida do Conselheiro Borja and adjourn at Iao Hon Market Garden where stage performances are presented. MGTO believes the event will bring glamour and festive ambience to Macau. The Office also aims to guide visitors into different districts by hosting a variety of activities in line with the community tourism project.
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Stepping into the joyful Year of the Horse, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) presented the "Touching Moments Experience Macau" float at the "2014 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade", which is organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in the evening of the first day of Chinese New Year (31 January). MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes attended the parade to celebrate with Hong Kong residents as well as overseas visitors. This year, MGTO float continues to employ the promotional theme "Touching Moments Experience Macau". Using drum as the main design element, together with LED wall playing the themed video, it showcases the festive and dynamic elements of Macau. Colourful festive photos are also displayed on the panels to further symbolize Macau as a vibrant and diversified city with a blend of Chinese and Western cultures. Scrolls of photo light-boxes surrounding the float depict the "Enchanting", "Fascinating", "Surprising", "Tasteful" and "Vibrant" moments of Macau. The float uses mainly gold colour to signify the joy and prosperity of Chinese New Year. In 2014, MGTO will continue its effort to develop Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure by promoting the diversified tourism products of Macau. For this purpose, promotional activities targeting consumers, trade partners as well as niche markets such as students, wedding couples and business incentives etc will be launched. Innovative promotional platforms especially social media will be employed to tap in the upcoming markets alongside the traditional print and electronic media. As an integral partner, MGTO will spare no efforts to capitalize and contribute to the collective promotions of the multi-destination tourism of the Pearl River Delta. The number of visitors to Macau in 2013 reached 29,324,000, representing an increase of 4.42% over 2012. Being the second largest tourist source market, over 6.7 million Hong Kong residents traveled to Macau last year.
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Festive joy fills the city as the Year of the Horse arrives. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) sincerely wishes Macau citizens and visitors a New Year overflowing with vitality and bliss. MGTO also wishes the tourism industry will continue to flourish in Macau and steer toward diversification. The Office will spare no efforts in building Macau into a "World Centre of Tourism and Leisure". MGTO joined hands with Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) to present Spring Festival celebrations together at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square on the first day of Lunar New Year (31 January), sharing the delight of Lunar New Year with both citizens and visitors. Last year Macau welcomed over 26 million visitor arrivals from the Greater China market, a year-on-year increase of around 5.4%. During Chinese New Year holidays, a great number of visitors are expected to come from the Mainland and neighboring regions to spend their vacation in Macau. Macau has also become a choice of destination for international visitors who wish to experience the Chinese festive season. MGTO and IACM thus took the opportunity to express New Year greetings to citizens and visitors, showing the destination's warm hospitality. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Acting Chairman of IACM's Administration Committee Vong Iao Lek, MGTO Deputy Directors Manuel Pires and Cecilia Tse hosted the eye-dotting ceremony for the dancing lions and golden dragon along with the trade representatives at the Ruins of St. Paul's and together lit firecrackers at Senado Square to kick off the celebrations in the morning on the first day of Lunar New Year. The guests then joined the God of Fortune to distribute "Lai Si" and souvenirs to locals and visitors at Senado Square, filling the area with joyful blessings. "Lai Si" given by the God of Fortune means best wishes and prosperity for Macau. Folk and Dance Performance of Tibet was also invited to present artistic performance, adding color to the celebrations. A 238-meter-long golden dragon led a parade across major tourist spots. The golden dragon demonstrated vigorous move accompanied by lively young lions. Their vivacious performance symbolizes that Macau will brim with vitality and opportunities in the New Year while marching bravely ahead like horses. The Chinese Zodiac sign "Horse" represents strong will and courage, inspiring Macau citizens to confront challenges with unremitting efforts and work hard together for the welfare of Macau. MGTO keeps the tradition to distribute "Lai Si" to visitors during Lunar New Year. Starting on the first day of Lunar New Year, MGTO's Tourist Information counters distribute "Lai Si" containing phrases of New Year blessings while stock lasts. Each "Lai Si" also contains 10 cents for auspicious wishes. The Lunar New Year celebrations are held on the first and second day of Lunar New Year. Citizens and visitors are welcome to browse MGTO's website for the program: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo.
MGTO is also presenting the mega outdoor Chinese New Year festivities under the theme "Joyous Celebration to the Bountiful Year of the Horse" on the third and ninth night of Lunar New Year, which offers a range of highlights including the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse", performances jointly presented by 1,000 performers, fireworks show, float exhibitions and so forth. On the third day of New Year, a fireworks show will brighten the evening with two themes – "Flourishing Age" and "Blessings". A series of dazzling spectaculars are orchestrated with seven pieces of auspicious music and songs during the 23-minute show, including fireworks on water and special effects of character appearance for the first time. It will make a splendid show to look forward to. In addition, MGTO will arrange personnel to dress up as the twelve Zodiac characters; the Gods of Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity; Entourage Boy and Girl as well as the God of Fortune riding on tricycle to go on a parade along with dancing lions and dragon along the first four walking tour routes under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" from the third to fifth day of Lunar New Year. They will greet the public and distribute "Lai Si" to pedestrians along the way, hoping that more visitors will find it a fascinating experience to explore different quarters in Macau for hidden gems while enjoying the atmosphere of Spring Festival in town. MGTO has arranged the five Macau Tourism Ambassadors and staff to answer visitors' enquiries at each of five designated locations in the city's central area and introduce visitors to various tourist spots from the first to fifteenth day of Lunar New Year. The five locations include Senado Square, B.N.U. Building on Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, St. Dominic's Square, the intersection between Rua de S. Domingos and Rua da Palha as well as the Ruins of St. Paul's. They will also distribute the brochure "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities", encouraging locals and visitors to take a stroll on the routes. MGTO introduced the first four walking routes under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" last September including "A Tour of Historical Trails", "A Tour of Nature and Creativity", "A Tour of East Meets West" and "A Tour of Arts and Culture":
http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/plan/our_suggested_tours.php During Lunar New Year, MGTO's "Tourism Hotline 2833 3000" maintains its 24-hour operator service to answer tourists' enquiries:
http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/useful/hotline.php
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