News

Consumer Council collected prices of 11 festive foods from 24 retail outlets on 23rd January for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. The collected data has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The Council conducted the said survey on 23rd January. Surveyed products included: 'Planters Premium Collection/849g', 'Kraft Ritz Sandwich Cracker/316g', 'Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookies/681g', 'Kjeldsens Butter Cookies/681g', 'Ferrero Rocher/24pcs', 'Brown & Haley Almond Roca/340g', 'Sugus Assorted Fruited Flavour Chews/350g', 'Lindt Lindor (Red)/14pcs', 'Bourbon Chocochip Cookies/312g', 'Garden Assorted Biscuit/500g', and 'Sau Tao Abalone Noodle/12pcs'. The price survey on these 11 festive foods from 24 retail outlets revealed price differences from 7.8 percent ('Garden Assorted Biscuit/500g') to 57.3 percent ('Sugus Assorted Fruited Flavour Chews/350g'). Consumers are advised to check the 'Specific Price Information Platform' to make price comparisons. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Representatives of Consumer Council, Economic Services Bureau (DSE), and Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) met with six suppliers of infant milk powder (Mead Johnson, Abbot, Friso, Nestle Nan, Wyeth Gold, and Cow & Gate) to discuss on the supply of local milk powder and review on the operation of their service hotlines. Suppliers at the meeting promised to keep in touch with milk powder manufacturers to ensure stable supply of infant milk powder in Macao. Currently, supply of most brands is stable in the local market. Meanwhile, suppliers indicated that they will continue to monitor their service hotlines and respond to local parents' needs and problems regarding milk powder supply. The Council has also updated the list of service hotlines on its website and suggests consumers to check the site for the latest information. According to cases received by the Council which are related to the supply of milk powder, consumers tend to have no problem with purchasing milk powder after the Council provides service hotlines to them. The Council will continue to work with other departments and milk powder suppliers, and have requested all suppliers to guarantee operation of their service hotlines. For more information about milk powder suppliers' service hotline, please visit the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). The above article can be downloaded at http://www.consumer.gov.mo/c/ccnews.asp
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Consumer Council conducted its seventh 'Supermarket price survey' in January on 22nd January for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Sé 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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The Macao Orchestra, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, presents two concerts from the series "Music Journey into the Heritage Sites", namely a "Jazz Concert" and a "Pop Music Concert", thereby celebrating with the public the arrival of the Year of the Horse. Admission is free for both concerts. In the "Jazz Concert", scheduled to take place on January 25, at 4pm, at the Mandarin's House lobby, a woodwind quintet will accompany visitors that tour this historic mansion with beautiful and cheerful melodies. The Dom Pedro V Theatre hosts the "Pop Music Concert" on February 8 at 4pm. OM musicians will interpret famous pop music themes, such as the Beach Boys' Good Vibrations and Eleanor Rigby, by the Beatles, among many others.
The "Beethoven String Quartets Series IV –Austro-German Airs", initially scheduled to take place on June 7, will now be held on June 6, at 8pm, at the Dom Pedro V Theatre. Ticket holders can exchange their tickets at the Kong Seng Ticketing Network from January 27 to February 27. For more information, please contact the OM through number 2853 0782, during office hours.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals increased by 4% year-on-year to 2,586,829 in December 2013; same-day visitors accounted for 51% of the total, at 1,313,836. Visitors from Mainland China increased by 8% year-on-year to 1,620,434, coming primarily from Guangdong Province (647,348) and Fujian Province (66,940); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 700,934. Moreover, visitors from the Republic of Korea (46,412) and Malaysia (40,935) increased by 5% and 8% respectively year-on-year, while those from Hong Kong (570,830) and Taiwan, China (86,575) decreased by 7% and 3%. Long-haul visitor arrivals from Australia (11,416) increased by 5%, whereas those from the US (16,182), Canada (6,684) and the UK (4,524) decreased by 3%, 6% and 3% respectively year-on-year. The average length of stay of visitors stayed unchanged from a year earlier, at 1.0 day in December 2013; overnight and same-day visitors stayed an average of 1.9 days and 0.2 day respectively. For the whole year of 2013, visitor arrivals reached 29,324,822, up by 4% year-on-year; same-day visitors (15,056,359) accounted for 51% of the total. Mainland visitors increased by 10% to 18,632,207, of which 43% travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. Visitors from the Republic of Korea (474,269) increased by 7%, while those from Hong Kong (6,766,044), Taiwan, China (1,001,189), Malaysia (291,136) and Japan (290,622) decreased by 4%, 7%, 4% and 27% respectively. Besides, visitors from the UK (61,330) and France (43,440) posted year-on-year increase, but those from the US (179,527), Australia (109,566) and Canada (74,213) registered decline. In 2013, the average length of stay of visitors stood at 1.0 day, held stable from 2012.
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Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes announced today that last year's total visitor arrivals exceeded 29 million, marking an increase of 4%. This year, MGTO not only pursues five main working goals but also strives for the best to facilitate the Tourism Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as its top mission. MGTO held its Annual Press Conference at Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center today (22 January). During the conference, MGTO presented a retrospect of the past year's tourism industry trend. Director Senna Fernandes then unveiled the Office's development plan and marketing activities in 2014. Around 510 people attended the conference including MGTO's overseas representatives, industry partners as well as international and local members of the press. The attendees include over 110 journalists from Macau, Hong Kong and overseas media agencies based in the two cities. MGTO indicated that last year's visitor arrivals exceeded 29 million in Macau according to preliminary figures, a year-on-year increase of 4%. Visitors from the Greater China market surpassed 26 million with a rise of 5%, whereas the number of international visitors dropped by 3%. The numbers of overnight-stay visitors and hotel overnight guests both showed an increase nonetheless. While the total of overnight-stay visitors rose by 5% last year, the sum of hotel overnight guests from last January to November experienced a double-digit growth of 12%. The Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan continue to rank as the top three tourist markets for Macau. Last year, over 18 million Mainland visitors came to Macau with an increase of 10%. 44% of them came from Guangdong Province specifically. In terms of international visitors, the Russian market stood out relatively with a remarkable increase of 13% in its number of visitors to Macau. MGTO expressed that over 14 million visitors stayed overnight in Macau last year, accounting for 49% of total visitor arrivals and marking an increase of 5%. On the other hand, there were over 9.7 million hotel overnight guests from last January to November, constituting 70% of overnight-stay visitors and marking a rise of 12.3%. Among the markets, hotel overnight guests from India, the Mainland and Korea hit the most remarkable growth of 31%, 18% and 17% respectively. The average length of stay of all overnight-stay visitors throughout last year stood as 1.9 days, same as 2012. The total visitor expenditure from last January to September reached 37.3 billion US dollars, a period-on-period growth of 10.7%. In terms of hotels, the average occupancy rate of hotels in Macau from last January to November was 82.5%, which dropped slightly by 0.8% compared with 2012. The average room rate of three to five star hotels last year was 184.5 US dollars, which raised by 4.1%. Over 8.9 million visitors came to Macau by joining tour groups in the first eleven months of last year, a year-on-year increase of 8.1%. Among other tourist markets, the numbers of tour group visitors from Thailand, Australia and the Mainland surged the most by 24%, 21% and 15% respectively. Currently there are 102 hotels in Macau including 46 budget hotels or guest houses. They supply 28,800 rooms in total, of which 1,500 rooms are budget accommodation. Last year, MGTO's Tourism Information counters attended to nearly 1.27 million visitor enquiries, material requests and feedbacks. Concerning measures against illegal accommodation, the interdepartmental task force inspected over 1,200 premises, sealed 149 premises and unsealed 135 premises throughout the year; MGTO waged sanctions against 75 operators, 30 touts and 4 managing staff. The Office also received 550 complaints/reports against illegal accommodation. Last year over 4,100 participants joined the industry training courses/workshops supported or facilitated by MGTO. The Office recruited 35 new staff members in 2013. Currently MGTO has 387 employees. According to the ranking of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Macau ranks twentieth globally and fifth in Asia-Pacific region in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2012; in terms of tourism income in 2012, Macau ranks fifth around the world and second in Asia-Pacific Region. MGTO pursues five main goals
Director Senna Fernandes expressed that MGTO will continue to promote the tourism development mode which revolves around leisure tourism in line with the goal of building Macau into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. This year MGTO focuses on five main goals at work: 1. Launch tourism planning and research, optimize overall tourism environment; 2. Strengthen industry training and management, enhance tourism service quality; 3. Continue community tourism, develop diverse tourism products; 4. Initiate series of promotional events, build up the destination's tourism image with characteristics; 5. Participate in international and regional cooperation, strengthen social and media communication. She pointed out that MGTO will unfold a series of measures as follow according to the five key points: 1. Launch tourism planning and research, optimize overall tourism environment: Start formulating the "Tourism Industry Development Master Plan" including case studies of the Master Plan and a brief history of Macau tourism development, etc. 2. Strengthen industry training and management, enhance tourism service quality: Enhance quality tourism service; refine licensing procedures and establish a team which specifically handles license applications from budget hotels with top priority; continue to fight against illegal accommodation and carry out studies on legalization of family hostels; launch "Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme"; continue to promote "Tourism Awareness Campaign", evaluate its effectiveness and enhance promotion, etc. 3. Continue community tourism, develop diverse tourism products: Continue to promote the community tourism project with diverse promotional strategies and matching sessions; Bring innovations into the "Macau Tourism Product Development Plan", e.g. redevelopment of palafitte in Coloane; hosting festivities and events again; enhancing business tourism development, etc. 4. Initiate series of promotional events, build up the destination's tourism image with characteristics: incorporate the theme of celebrating the 15th anniversary of the establishment of Macau SAR into marketing activities; hold themed promotion events in overseas markets; assist industry partners in planning themed tours; develop the rising Russian market and tourist markets along high-speed rail in China; build up the destination's tourism image with characteristics through renovation of Tourism Information counters and design of brand-new slogans, etc. 5. Participate in international and regional cooperation, strengthen social and media communication: Enhance communication with Mainland departments as well as the trade's understanding and observance of the Tourism Law in both destinations; develop mutually advantageous tourism projects and special multi-destination tours through regional cooperation; plan on developing "Useful Tourism-Info E-Platform; design a mobile application for MGTO's publication and reform its publication "Macau Travel Talk" by enriching its online content, etc. Senna Fernandes expressed that the Office launches the "Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme" this year in order to ensure quality service in the tourism industry and encourage the trade to keep optimizing their service. The scheme is designed for all licensed restaurants and eateries in Macau divided into four categories. Restaurants which pass the jury assessment successfully will be given a certificate and the Star Merchant Award in recognition of their understanding service. She added that the Office will keep promoting the community tourism project by launching a diversity of community activities in various districts monthly. In addition, MGTO plans to feature 3D audiovisual projection mapping shows in Cheng Peng Theatre and St. Lazarus Parish. Currently the Office is preparing to seek advices from the public. At the same time, new promotion activities and prize-winning tours are added to the "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" project to encourage visitors to explore the routes and enhance public awareness of the project. New routes will be launched in the near future while the Office will also consult the public for their opinions on the newly-designed routes. Press release and PowerPoint of MGTO Director's presentation can be downloaded from Media Corner of Macau Tourism Industry Net: http:// industry.macautourism.gov.mo
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Macao Post has launched the "Secure Electronic Postal Box – SEPBox" on 8 October 2013 and holds six round lucky draws. The third round lucky draw prize presentation was conducted on 21 January 2014. The winner of the third round lucky draw is Ms. Chan Sio Lin who has received a brand new Smartphone - Samsung Galaxy S4 from Ms. Lau Wai Meng, the Chairman of the Administration Committee of Macao Post. There are still three lucky draws chances remain. With success registration and activation of "Secure Electronic Postal Box – SEPBox" by using the Web or mobile applications on or before 31 March 2014, users are automatically eligible for the monthly lucky draw, with the chance to win a trendy Smartphone. The earlier you register and activate, the greater the chances of winning. For more information of "Secure Electronic Postal Box - SEPBox" and lucky draw, please visit our website http://seps.macaupost.gov.mo. For enquiry, please contact us at Tel: 28720029 or email us at: support@seps.macaupost.gov.mo.
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In the view of the 60-day state of emergency announced by the Thai Government and the latest situation of Bangkok, GGCT advises Macau residents to defer traveling plans to Bangkok, and reminds Macau residents in Bangkok to remain vigilant, be aware of local security developments, elevate personal safety precautions and avoid getting close to the vicinities of demonstration areas.
As per information collected from the Macao tourism industry, there are no tour groups traveling in Bangkok recently. To date, GGCT has received 78 inquiries but no requests for assistance. GGCT will continuously monitor the local situation. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour tourism hotline (853) 2833 3000 or the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand for assistance, tel: 00 66 854 833 327 (call in Thailand: 0854833327).
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has appointed a new representative office to promote the city in Thailand. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes signed today (21) a contract with the newly-appointed General Manager of MGTO Marketing Representative in Thailand, Uracha Jaktaranon. Following an open tender launched by MGTO in Thailand, Branded The Agency was the selected company to carry on the work of promoting Macau in the country. Established in 2004, Branded The Agency is one of Thailand's leading public relations and event marketing consulting firms. The contract is effective from January 2014. MGTO first opened a representative office in Thailand before the establishment of the Macau SAR, in 1999. Thailand is currently the eighth among the top ten major source markets for Macau. After a drop seen in the number of visitors in previous years, following the political turmoil in the country, the number of visitors from Thailand picked up, increasing by 17.8 per cent in 2012, while from January to November last year visitor arrivals surpassed 215 thousand, marking a 5.5 percent increase year-on-year. Macau and Thailand's capital are supplied with frequent air connections, with three airlines operating a total of eight flights daily between Macau and Bangkok, and one of the airlines offering also a daily flight between Chiang Mai and Macau. While continuing to monitor the unfolding of the political situation in Thailand, MGTO will unroll its plan of promotional activities of Macau as a tourism destination in the country. This press release is available at: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/index.php
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' for January on 20th January for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 8 supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. 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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