News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total spending (excluding gaming expenses) of visitors amounted to MOP13.9 billion in the second quarter of 2013, a notable increase of 23% in comparison with MOP11.4 billion in the second quarter of 2012. Spending of overnight visitors totalled MOP11.7 billion and that of same-day visitors was MOP2.2 billion. In the second quarter of 2013, per-capita spending of visitors was MOP1,973, up by 15% year-on-year. Mainland visitors had the highest per-capita spending of MOP2,511, and spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) reached MOP2,819; besides, per-capita spending of visitors from Singapore amounted to MOP1,719. Australian visitors had the highest per-capita spending among the long-haul visitors, at MOP1,261. Analysed by consumption structure, visitors spent mostly on Shopping (49%), Accommodation (24%) and Food & Beverage (19%). Shopping items included Local Food Products (21%), Clothing (19%) and Jewellery & Watches (19%). Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP1,403 in shopping while IVS visitors spent an average of MOP1,796. Moreover, long-haul visitors spent primarily on Accommodation and Food & Beverage. In the second quarter of 2013, per-capita spending of overnight visitors amounted to MOP3,396, up by 17% year-on-year, and that of same-day visitors rose by 3% to MOP614. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors amounted to MOP4,436 and MOP752 respectively, with per capita spending of overnight and same-day IVS visitors reaching MOP4,885 and MOP1,256. According to the result of Visitors' Comments Survey, about 93% and 92% of the visitors were satisfied with the services rendered by hotels and travel agencies. However, 7% of the visitor-users considered that public transport services should be improved, and 7% commented that points of tourist attractions were inadequate.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on dairy products on 15th August for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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Following a decade of development, the Macao Orchestra (OM), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau de Macau (CAB) presents a new concert season and high-quality performances by several internationally ranked musicians. The 2013-2014 season will kick off on September 14 with a performance by Cyprien Katsaris, a gifted pianist known for his highly skilled interpretations of Liszt's works. The new season will include over thirty concerts; tickets will be available from August 18 at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets. Cyprien Katsaris, acclaimed for his technique, experience and artistic achievements, has been hailed by the New York Times as "an intense personality; his style has led him to surpass all of the contemporary piano schools." In over four decades dedicated to his art, Katsaris has been received a total of sixteen awards in prominent international piano competitions, such as the International Tchaikovsky Competition and the Queen Elizabeth of Belgium International Competition. The pianist will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, his most creative and representative composition, at this season's opening concert, "The Great Beethoven", joining OM and its Music Director and Principal Conductor, Lü Jia.
In this season, OM will also collaborate with other renowned musicians, such as as young Swedish conductor Daniel Blendulf, one of today's most promising Chinese young musicians the pianist Song Siheng, the lengendary Chinese violinist Lü Siqing and winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition Barry Douglas. These guest artists will bring Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff's classics, among others, to local stages. In order to promote opera among local citizens and music lovers, OM will premiere in Macau Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale (L'Histoire du soldat), and will also present opera overtures and ballet suites. The chamber music concerts at the Dom Pedro V Theatre have already become a highlight of each concert season, presenting a series of innovative concerts and allowing audiences to admire the interpreters' virtuosity. As customary, the Orchestra will once again perform at the Macao International Music Festival. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Verdi's birth, OM joins the Latvia National Opera in presenting "Aida – Opera in 4 acts by Giuseppe Verdi", and also collaborates with the Korean Chamber Orchestra in bringing stirring renditions of Richard Strauss' masterpieces in the concert A Hero's Life. This new season further includes concerts at St. Dominic's Church and other World Heritage sites, the Education and the Devotion Series. Through diversified musical activities, OM hopes to bring music to the whole community. Tickets for OM's 2012-2013 Concert Season will be available from August 18 at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets as well as through the number 2855 5555. For more information, please visit OM's website at www.icm.gov.mo/om.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 6,514 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP34.00 billion in the second quarter of 2013 as per Stamp Duty record, up by 20% and 32% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Number of residential units totalled 4,059, an increase of 474 units from the previous quarter; within these units, 1,946 were pre-sale residential units amounting to MOP17.16 billion, sharing 48% and 68% of the total number and value of residential units. The average price of existing residential units was MOP63,130 per square metre of usable area, up by 6% quarter-to-quarter; the price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Taipa both registered a 5% increase, while the price of those in Coloane soared by 42%. The average price of pre-sale residential units went up by 12% to MOP108,903 per square metre, of which the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula increased by 16%, while the price of those in Taipa edged down by 1%. The average price of all residential units stood at MOP88,957 per square metre in the second quarter of 2013, up by 14% quarter-to-quarter on account of higher transaction volume share of high-priced pre-sale residential units. In the second quarter, purchase and sale of pre-sale residential units concentrated in NATAP (1,291), Cidade & Hipódromo da Taipa (133) and Coloane (119), stood at MOP108,862, MOP122,523 and MOP105,146 per square metre respectively. Meanwhile, existing residential units were mainly in Baixa da Taipa (301), NATAP (218) and Areia Preta & Iao Hon (203) with average price of MOP67,778, MOP82,395 and MOP56,568 per square metre respectively. Residential units with more than 20 years totalled 996 (including 132 in Barca and 104 in Areia Preta & Iao Hon), and the average price was MOP48,439 per square metre, up by 9% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of 786 residential units with 11 to 20 years (179 in Baixa da Taipa and 111 in NATAP) was MOP62,384 per square metre, up by 10%. The average price of 202 residential units with 5 or less years (55 in Baixa da Taipa and 43 in NATAP) rose by 9% to MOP93,770 per square metre. Analysed by floor area of the unit, 2,113 residential units had an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres, with the average price rising by 11% quarter-to-quarter to MOP87,172 per square metre, of which the average price of pre-sale residential units was MOP105,245 per square metre. Moreover, there were 1,041 small residential units with an area of less than 50 square metres, and the average price increased by 14% to MOP67,700 per square metre; the majority of them were existing residential units, with an average price of MOP57,671 per square metre. The average price of office units was MOP64,544 per square metre in the second quarter of 2013, up by 2% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of industrial units rose by 20% to MOP34,225 per square metre. The sale and purchase contracts and mortgage contracts signed in the second quarter of 2013 involved 3,869 and 4,612 real estate respectively, up by 18% and 19% quarter-to-quarter. For private sector construction, gross floor area of new buildings started totalled 663,961 square metres, providing 1,120 units (1,101 are residential units), 1,794 parking spaces for cars and 408 parking spaces for motorcycles upon completion. Gross floor area of buildings completed was 86,613 square metres, altogether providing 578 units (570 are residential units). In the first half year of 2013, a total of 11,937 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP59.69 billion, up by 4% and 40% respectively year-to-year. A total of 7,644 residential units were recorded, down by 3%, and total value increased by 43% to MOP45.26 billion. Number of real estate involved in the sale and purchase contracts and mortgage contracts signed totalled 7,157 and 8,499 respectively.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today answered an array of questions -- which ranged from housing, study on renewal of gaming concessions, education, medical system, care for the elderly and accountability -- raised by the 24 legislators at the second of his twice a year visit to the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly. On housing policies, the Chief Executive said the present income limit for public housing has covered 80 per cent of the population, adding that no system can fit everyone's need. He said it was necessary to review the needs of the whole market and to amend the housing laws if there is are requests for the income limit to be scrapped. Mr Chui said that sufficient land is a way to solve housing problems. On the idea of reserving land for Macao people only, the Government would conduct public consultation when the results of these studies are available. At present, 28 plot of granted land are invalid and no development plan has been made for using the five plots of land near the airport. On education, the Chief Executive pledged to invest more to support schools in terms of "software" and "hardware" in the next policy year. Opportunities will be created for people who do not have chances to continue to tertiary education. Moreover, the Government will discuss with all tertiary colleges to cultivate all kind of talents needed in the future. On establishing a better medical system, more medical professionals will be needed when more medical facilities are constructed and start to operate in 2020. The Government has made a short-term, medium-term and long-term plan to train more healthcare personnel and specialists to meet the needs, he said. On policies for the elderly, Mr Chui said Macao had transformed into an old-age society and more services for the elderly are needed. The Government has set up an inter-governmental group to study protection for this group and to make a ten-year plan to safeguard their rights. Mr Chui said that he believed the gaming industry would continue to play an important role in the future of Macao, and "One centre, one platform" is the principle of developing Macao. At present, gaming companies are promoting complex and non-gaming projects to meet with the regional development, and that an adequate diversification of the industry enabled Macao to move forward. He said 2015 would be a suitable time to study the renewal of gaming concessions which the Government granted on 8 February 2002. Mr Chui said the renewal is one of the most important works for the next administration. On the support for the small-and-medium enterprises, the Government has created co-operation opportunities for the local enterprises on the Mainland. He revealed that Macao enterprises would participate in the opening up of Hengqin Island and Nansha Island. Regarding budget for the large-scale public works, Mr Chui said that the Government has started to amend the Budget Framework Law and will plan the budget with caution in the future. On accountability, Mr Chui said that by law all principle officials are under the supervision of Chief Executive. It is necessary to have an accurate understanding of accountability to avoid any damage on social harmony and the implementation of policies. He stressed that the Government is committed to building a service-oriented and responsible government, and to promote the culture of responsibility.
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Due to the recent challenging safety situation in some areas of Egypt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel safety reminder to Chinese citizens who intend to visit there. Following is the translated version of the full text: "Continuous and massive protests taking place in Egypt's Cairo and Alexandria that have caused casualties. In view of the above situation, the Department of the Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Egypt specially remind Chinese citizens not to travel to Egypt, especially Cairo, Alexandria and the Nile Delta. In any case of emergency, Chinese citizens should timely report to local police and contact the Chinese Embassy and consulate in Egypt through the following means: Police reporting hotline in Egypt: 00202-122; Tourist Police in Egypt: 00202-1263906028; Consular Assistance and Protection hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt: 00202-27380466、00202-27363556; Consular Assistance and Protection hotline of Chinese Consulate General in Alexandria: 00202-271125995." The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest development of safety situation in the above cities and also advises Macao residents to avoid making unnecessary trips. Those who are currently travelling in Egypt should remain cautious for personal safety. GGCT so far has not received any requests for assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call the tourism hotline (853) 2833 3000 or the Chinese Embassy and consulate for assistance.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP128.8 billion (USD16.12 billion) at the end of July 2013. The reserves rose by 1.4% from the revised value of MOP127.0 billion (USD15.90 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves dropped by MOP4.1 billion or 3.1%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-July 2013 represented 15 times the currency in circulation or 132.0% of Pataca M2 at end-June 2013. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, increased 0.53 points month-to-month but dropped 0.90 points year-on-year to 98.29 in July 2013. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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The exhibition "The Thai Impression - 4 Printmaking Masters' Works", organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao S.A.R. Government, in collaboration with the Printmaking Research Center of Macau, will open on the 23rd of August, Friday, at 6:30pm, at the Old Court Building, located in Avenida da Praia Grande. The exhibition features 59 works by Thailand's four top printmaking artists, namely Thavorn Ko-udomvit, Puttipong Prasarnphan, Tinnakorn Kasornsuwan and Vimonmarn Khanthachavana. In recent years, Thailand has been sparing no efforts in promoting arts education, thus fostering a flourishing development in art, of which printmaking is an excellent example. Thai printmaking creation shows a genuine character: while drawing many references from European and American innovative printmaking techniques, it is able to retain its own traditions and still seek improvement. The result is a mature printmaking art, featuring diverse styles and an exotic and culturally unique Thai flavor, which has drawn world attention and been rewarded by Thai and international art circles alike. The four masters featured by this exhibition are acclaimed printmakers in the Thai art scene, who have received awards in international printmaking competitions. It is fair to say that their production represents the pinnacle of Thai printmaking art. Moreover, their works explore a variety of themes in diverse printmaking techniques, from traditional woodblock and water prints to lithographs and high resolution mixed technique laser prints. The exhibition offers an opportunity for appreciating these prints harmoniously blending tradition and modern technology, allowing visitors a glimpse of the current development of Thai printmaking art and a feeling of its artists' rich creativity and infinite imagination. The exhibition "The Thai Impression - 4 Printmaking Masters' Works" runs until the 20th of October at the Old Court Building, located in Avenida da Praia Grande, daily from 10am to 7pm. Admission is free admission.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 19.5% year-on-year to 790,996 in June 2013. Visitors arrivals in package tours mainly came from Mainland China (622,977), with 216,690 coming from Guangdong Province, followed by those from Taiwan, China (44,918); Hong Kong (32,202) and the Republic of Korea (25,886). In the first half year of 2013, visitors in package tours totalled 4,610,370, up by 12.9% year-on-year. Outbound residents using services of travel agencies increased by 9.4% year-on-year to 119,508 in June this year; those travelling in package tours totalled 47,533, with Mainland China, Thailand and Taiwan, China being the main destinations. In the first half year of 2013, outbound residents increased by 23.5% year-on-year to 716,601, of which 266,197 travelled in package tours. There were 99 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of June 2013, providing 28,082 rooms, up by 15.7% year-on-year; guest rooms of 5-star hotels accounted for 66.5% of the total. In June this year, guests checking into hotels and guesthouses rose by 16.8% year-on-year to 903,811; guests staying in 5-star hotels soared by 36.3%, at 552,850. The average length of stay of guests held stable from a year earlier, at 1.3 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses was 80.9%, up by 0.7 percentage points, with 3-star hotels leading at 83.9%. In the first half year of 2013, number of guests increased by 16.9% year-on-year to 5,233,519; the average occupancy rate stood at 79.6%, down by 2.0 percentage points. In the first half year of 2013, visitor-guests took up 71.9% of the total number of overnight visitors, higher than the 64.9% in the same period of 2012.
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Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" came into force on August 13, 2010, the interdepartmental working team has been dedicated to fighting against illegal accommodation for 3 years and will keep going. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is highly concerned with the problem of illegal accommodation. Early this year, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Deputy Director Manuel Pires visited ZAPE and Macau Northern District to examine the progress of fighting illegal accommodation and promote the related measures against it. Senna Fernandes remarked that combating illegal accommodation is a long-term operation and the office will persist in taking action with further promotion among visitors and apartment owners, joining hands with the community to crack down on illegal accommodation. The law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" has been in force for 3 years. During past operation, MGTO constantly evaluated and summarized the effects, accumulating fair experience in effective law enforcement; in addition, the enforcement work achieved more striking results thanks to interdepartmental collaboration and concerted efforts in law enforcement, with achievement attributed especially to the police authorities' active participation in response to social development and the evolving illegal means. MGTO regularly holds work meetings with related associations and resident representatives of the affected communities, maintaining communication and collaboration through interactive exchange of ideas. The office appreciates the associations and apartment owners for contributing their opinions which facilitate the law enforcement remarkably. MGTO launched a new array of promotion this year including new posters and promotion leaflets. Citizens and visitors can obtain the leaflets from major ports and MGTO information counters. MGTO published specific versions of posters and leaflets for visitors and apartment owners in order to target the message at each party; furthermore, the office produced brand-new promotional videos in Cantonese and Mandarin for broadcast on MGTO's website as well as Hong Kong and Mainland media channels, advising visitors to stay in legal accommodation establishments. Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" came into effect on August 13, 2010 up to date (August 12, 2013), MGTO investigated 1,795 premises in total and sealed 377 premises (including 6 premises that were sealed again) allegedly operated for provision of illegal accommodation. On the other hand, the office unsealed 310 premises and began 383 sanction proceedings. MGTO received 1,328 reports against alleged premises up to date. Citizens can report any suspected case via the 24-hour hotline 2833 3000. Complainants can also log on to MGTO's website (Chinese/English) http://www.macautourism.gov.mo and click the banner of "Online Complaint against Illegal Accommodation" to file a report.
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