News

Macau Government Tourist Office’s Annual Marketing Meeting and Tourism Forum kicked off this morning (July 5) at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U was present at the opening ceremony and delivered the opening speech. MGTO invited speakers from various departments to the Tourism Forum - “Connecting History and the Future: New Opportunities for Macau’s Tourism Development” which was attended by 300 travel trade representatives. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary Cheong expressed that Macau has returned to her Motherland for ten years, and with great support of the Central Government, effective administration of the SAR government and persevering efforts of different departments, coupled with cooperation of the industry and the support and participation of the public, the society of Macau continues to advance and has made significant achievements in various aspects. It is encouraging to see that the tourism industry, being the pillar of the local economy, is developing at a satisfactory pace. He said that the urban planning, transportation, environmental protection and landscape design is closely related to the tourism industry and the Light Rapid Transit, Urban Pedestrian System, Old District Redevelopment, overall planning of the Ruins of St Paul’s - Core World Heritage Zone and its surrounding area, among others, all support the development goal of building Macau into a world tourism and leisure destination. He noted that the SAR government will also develop cultural and creative industries, which will be integrated with tourism to showcase the diverse features of cultural tourism. Moreover, tourism promotion should progress with the times by incorporating more technology and electronic methods to elevate promotional effectiveness. He pointed out that it is foreseeable that Macau will undergo an extensive change in the future and when advanced urban planning and transportation system interweave with invaluable world heritage “The Historic Center of Macau”; this city of Southern China will emanate the unique charming characteristics of old and new, east and west. Secretary Cheong added that the representatives of MGTO shoulder crucial responsibilities in Macau’s tourism promotion and he encouraged the representatives to look further ahead to proactively plan for future promotional projects, and explore among the new opportunities presented by Macau, favorable and suitable elements to be deployed in effective promotional strategies, to introduce Macau to the world and to contribute more effort in building Macau into the world’s tourism and leisure destination. Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes reviewed the tourism performance, highlighted MGTO’s quality tourism initiatives and outlined the new opportunities the urban planning brings to the tourism industry in Macau. He pointed out that visitor arrivals in the first 5 months exceeded 10 million, a surge of 15.8%. Among which, 53% are visitors from the Mainland, 29% from Hong Kong, 5% from Taiwan, and 12% from international markets. Affected by the global financial crisis, international visitors recorded a negative growth last year. However, from January to May this year, international visitor numbers achieved an encouraging growth of almost 13%. For the first five months, overnight stay visitors made up 48% of total visitor arrivals. Overnight guests in hotels for the first four months surged by 15% and represented 64.2% of total overnight stay visitors. The average length of stay was 1.51 nights, a slight rise of 0.12 nights. He continued that the top ten visitor generating markets recorded positive growth this year, except Thailand which was affected by its own political situation. Among the ten markets, Korea, the Mainland and Japan registered the largest gains of 64%, 24% and 12% respectively. He expressed that at present there are 62 2 to 5-star deluxe hotels providing over 20,000 rooms and 31 guesthouses with 576 rooms. There are 145 licensed travel agencies, 1,408 licensed tour guides and 24 ground transfer agents. He stressed that the SAR government is putting full effort in realizing the goal of quality tourism and, through law amendment as well as close cooperation with cross-departmental working groups, measures have been stepped up in inspection and cracking down of illegal accommodation. MGTO will also strengthen inspections at checkpoints and tourist attractions in addition to setting up inspection points at the Macau Ferry Terminal to combat illegal tour guides. It will at the same time launch promotion on tourist education and food safety. Antunes pointed out that MGTO organized this Tourism Forum, themed “Connecting History and the Future: New Opportunities for Macau’s Tourism Development”, with the aim to introduce to travel and tourism industry partners and MGTO representatives around the world a series of projects including urban planning, transportation system, revitalization of world heritage sites and e-marketing, which will directly or indirectly bring new opportunities to Macau’s tourism industry. He believed that four hundred years of cultural exchange between the East and West had nurtured Macau’s unique cultural heritage, an invaluable resource of Macau’s tourism industry, which, through cross-departmental cooperation and civic participation, should identify and explore suitable elements to strengthen Macau’s tourism industry and attract visitors from different markets, to contribute in building Macau into the world’s tourism and leisure destination. The Forum was moderated by Deputy Director of MGTO Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, with Lao Iong, Head of Urban Panning Department, Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau, Kuong Vai Cheok, Head of Transport Planning and Development Department, Transport Bureau, Cheong Cheok Kio, Head of Cultural Heritage Department, Cultural Affairs Bureau and Cheng Wai Tong, Head of Research and Planning Department, MGTO as speakers on two panels: “The Short and Medium-term City Development and Strategies for Macau” and “Heritage and Cultural Tourism and E-marketing” respectively. After the Tourism Forum, MGTO hosted a luncheon for the guests and travel trade, which was followed by a mini mart held for local trade partners to meet with representatives of MGTO to discuss business opportunities to bring in more visitors. 46 MGTO representatives from 16 countries/regions will have internal meetings with MGTO directors and department heads to discuss marketing strategies and tactics for next year.
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The Grand Opening of Macao Franchise Expo (2010 MFE) will be held on 8th July. The event, with the theme, “Brand expansion continues…Business opportunities to be seized”, will be held from 8th to 10th July at Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. Thanks to positive support and participation from the business community, the number of exhibitors has increased substantially, resulting in a bigger exhibition scope and exhibition area this year. In line with all pre-show arrangements, 2010 MFE is on its way to final countdown. MFE has received desirable number of exhibition enrolments, a two-fold increase than that of last year, reaching a number of 123 exhibitors. The number of booths is almost 1.5 times the number in 2009 MFE, with a total of 157 booths. Thus, the exhibition scope has expanded to 2nd and 4th floors exhibition halls of Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre, with an exhibition area of over 3800 sq metres. Macao Franchise Expo 2010 is designated to be an ideal a platform for local and overseas investors to seek franchising opportunities and explore new markets. A Showcase of Renowned Brands - International Exhibitors Utilizes MFE to Explore Business Opportunities The 2010 MFE exhibitors profile has emerged to be international, coming from including Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, USA, Japan, Portugal, Malaysia and Singapore. The Expo has also received a wide level of participation from various industries, with the number of food and beverage, and retail exhibitors, together 69 of them, coming at the top of the list. [38 exhibitors from F&B sector(31%), 31 from retail sector (25%), 19 from hotel and services sectors (15%) and 6 from education sector (5%)]. In addition, 29 of the exhibiting entities, including government organizations, financial institutions, real estate agencies, marketing and consulting services as well as technology transfer enterprises, will work to achieve in making this franchising event a success. Various renowned brands from Mainland China and Overseas joining the 2010 MFE, such as Fatburger from USA, NEC from Japan, Marry Brown from Malaysia, 7 days Inn and Jinjiang Inn from Mainland China, McMug McDull & Friends, Comebuy, Azona from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan further highlights 2010 MFE specialties and international participation. In particular, the franchising fees of some F&B, retail and services sectors are lower than MOP 50,000. Supplementary Business Support Services to Assist Enterprise Development and Financing Besides exhibitors of franchising and chain operators, the Expo also features marketing strategy and business consulting services. Macao Economic Services will provide consultation and enquiry services on SME Schemes, while Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China will provide finance and credit information. Special “Business Matching Square” and Food Tasting Area to Enhance Effectiveness through To encourage local SME development, the premium booths and F&B Tasting Area on Level 4 exhibition will be another highlight of 2010 MFE. It is believed that the real brick-and-mortar franchise concept of the premium booths and the Square at the heart of the exhibition hall with Portuguese-style paved pebble effect will facilitate an ideal business matching environment for investors. Professional Forum – realizing regional platform and advantages
The Forum on International Franchise Business Opportunities will be held immediately after the opening of 2010 MFE, on 8 July 2010. Themes cover “Development Trend and Business Models of International Franchise Operations” and “Macao as the Platform to Explore Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities in Mainland China”. Invited industry professionals and representatives from Mainland China, the USA, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau will share on the current development of the franchising industry and successful examples of franchise operations. Distinguishing speakers include Mr. Scott Lehr, Vice President of U.S. & International Development, International Franchise Association (IFA), Mr. Kimiharu Nishino, Chairman of Franchise Committee of Japan Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants Association - Tokyo branch, and Mr. Hsu Hsiang-hung, Chairman of Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan. Furthermore, the 2010 MFE has lined up various seminars and presentations for exhibitors to promote their products and services. Business Matching Services Assist to Explore Business Opportunities
In order to assist business starters, enterprises and investors to expand their business, the organizer provides pre-show business matching services. Parties in search of franchising business opportunities could contact the MFE business matching team at Tel: +853 2872 8328; Fax: 853 2872 7506 or Email: matching@ipim.gov.mo to register their matching intentions. To obtain more updated information, please visit the 2010 MFE official website www.mfe.mo or online business matching platform http://bm.ipim.gov.mo. 2010 MFE is organized by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Brazilian Franchise Association, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association and Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong, supported by the China Chain Store & Franchise Association, International Franchise Association and Japan Franchise Association, and coordinated by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau. The first two days of 2010 MFE will be open from 11:00 to 20:00, while the last day (10th July) will be open from 11:00 to 18:00.The first day (8th July) is open to professional visitors and from 9th to 10th July opens to the public. Admission is free and interested parties are cordially welcomed to join 2010 MFE! For more information, please contact the MFE Secretariat at Tel: 62128811.
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Included in the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, begins tomorrow Tuesday, July 6, at 9:30am, in the World Trade Center’s Lotus Room, the workshop “The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Enhancing the Competitiveness of SMEs – Understanding Franchising”. Organized by the Economic Services, this workshop will have as its guest speaker Mr. Giovanni Francesco Casucci, who graduated in law from the University of Perugia, Italy, and is founder of the Casucci Law Firm, a law firm specialized in the area of intellectual property rights. This workshop will take place during two days and will be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation into Cantonese. Its main objective is to allow Macao business firms to understand the intellectual property protection in franchise agreement in vis-à-vis the characteristics of the Macao market, and increase awareness on the protection of rights, and boost the competitiveness between business firms by means of strengthening the use of the management ability of intellectual property rights. With an enrolment of nearly a hundred participants, the sessions of this workshop will approach the following subjects: what is franchising and its characteristics, role and protection of various IPs in franchising, IP protection in franchise agreement and key IP issues for franchisee and franchisor and EU cases on IP right protection in franchising. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, extending until December 2012, which embodies the said workshop, has the “Consolidation of the Macao Legal System” as its main objective. The total budget for the programme is 1.500.000 euros (approximately 15.000.000 patacas), this programme is co-financed by the European Union and the Macao Foundation, with the remaining costs supported by the MSAR’s budget. The implementation of this Co-operation Programme is co-ordinated by the International Law Office (GADI), with participation of several other MSAR’s entities and public departments, namely, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre (CFJJ), the Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ), the Economic Services (DSE), the Financial Services Bureau (DSF) and the Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM).
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IFT Tourism Business Management year 1 students will spend an internship period from 21 June to 17 July at The Mandarin’s House. It is hoped that students will acquire related running skills and professional attitude through participating in reception service and daily operation. Managed by Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Mandarin’s House has soon become a major tourist attraction since its opening early this year. As a living model of cultural preservation and theme tourism, IFT has assigned 6 year 1 bachelor degree students from Tourism Business Management to join this new internship program, in which they will assist with the House’s operation. During this 4 week practicum, students will learn different practical techniques, receiving visitors, tour guiding, researching, translation and carrying out surveys, to name a few. Given this opportunity, students are able to obtain hands-on experience of public relations and understand the importance of professionalism. Cultural Affairs Bureau has been the major supporting unit of IFT’s internship programs, offering Macao Museum, Macao Historical Archives, Cultural Events Department and Cultural Heritage Department as training units for IFT students majoring in Tourism Business Management, Heritage Management and Tourism Event Management. IFT bachelor degrees adopt an international approach, and emphasize on the balance between theories and practice. Its programs incorporate multiple practical factors, allowing students to put their knowledge into practice. For example, introducing a 4-week practicum course for year 1 students, as well as a 6-month internship training for all year 3 students. In view of the internationalization required by the tourism industry, IFT not only encourages internship locally, but also at a global level that exposes students to broader horizon and brings them to meet the local customs and cultures that are unique to different destinations.
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The Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) has activated the Contingency Mechanism for Aviation Emergencies immediately after an East Asia Airlines helicopter encountered an emergency landing accident at 12:00noon today (03 July). The Authority has already requested the operator to conduct a thorough fleet inspection and submit detailed information about the accident. In accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, an aircraft investigation is carried out by the state of occurrence. As the accident occurred in Hong Kong, the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong SAR (HKCAD) has started its investigation into the accident. Due to the fact that the aircraft was registered in Macao, Macao will provide all necessary information and assist in the investigation according to the request from HKCAD. The flight was carrying 2 crew members and 11 passengers, who were all rescued. There were no Macao residents. Only two passengers were sent to hospital in Hong Kong and did not sustain significant injuries. The helicopter was Italian made Agusta AW139. It was registered with number B-MHJ in Macao in 2009 and put into operation in the same year. Its Certificate of Airworthiness was renewed in February 2010.
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A Macao registered helicopter of East Asia Airlines, while en-route from Hong Kong to Macao, encountered an emergency landing accident at 12:00noon today (03 July). The aircraft was carrying 2 crew members and 11 passengers, who were all rescued. Preliminary information indicated that two passengers were sent to hospital in Hong Kong; the rest did not sustain injuries. The cause of the accident was still under investigation. A while after the helicopter took off from the Hong Kong Shun Tak Centre, the pilot made an emergency landing on sea. In accordance with the passenger manifest of East Asia Airlines, there were no Macao residents. The passengers included 3 mainland Chinese, 7 Hong Kong residents and 1 British. The Macao SAR Government expresses its condolences to the injured and the families of the injured. The Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) has activated the Contingency Mechanism for Aviation Emergencies immediately after the accident. Due to the fact that the accident occurred in Hong Kong air space, the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong SAR (HKCAD) will be responsible for its investigation. The aeronautical authorities of the two SARs have been keeping close contact with each other. AACM has already sent representatives to Hong Kong to obtain details of the accident and assist in the investigation.
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Effective this month, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau will release the “Monthly Gross Revenue of Games of Fortune” statistics on monthly basis through its official website at www.dicj.gov.mo. In general, the gross revenue figure of the current month will be uploaded to the official website no later than the third working day of the subsequent month. Other gaming information and statistics updates will continue to be released on a quarterly basis.
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The Historical Archives of Macao will hold another of its popular conservation workshops on Saturday 10th of July from 14.00 to 17.00. This time the focus will be on binding a buttonhole notebook. No previous experience is required but participants must be at least ten years old. Starting 5th of July, please visit the Historical Archives of Macao (open Mon-Fri, 09:30-18.30, Sat, 13.00-18.00) on Tap Seac Square to register and pay the workshop fee of MOP$20 (inclusive of materials and equipment for the workshop). Places are limited and will be distributed according to order of registration. For more information about individual workshops this year, please visit www.archives.gov.mo. For further details, please contact Ms. Esther Chu of the Macao Historical Archives of the Cultural Affairs Bureau at 85986537.
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Macao Franchise Expo 2010 (2010 MFE) will be held at the Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre from 8 to 10 July 2010 (Thursday to Saturday). It will be open to public from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on 8 and 9 July 2010 and 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 10 July 2010. The objective of the event is to foster more business opportunities in franchise operations for Macao and international enterprises, while advancing cooperation and exchanges. 2010 MFE includes exhibitions, a main forum, business matching sessions and products/services presentations. Building on the success of the debut 2009 MFE held last year, is the organizers are looking forward to another stride in 2010 MFE, with the theme “Brand expansion continues… business opportunities to be seized”. The exhibition scope has increased to a total area of 3,800 square metres, occupying the 2nd and 4th floors exhibition halls of the Macao Tower. The Expo has confirmed a total of 160 booths up to date, representing 124 exhibitors from all over the world including Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, USA, Japan, Portugal, Malaysia, Singapore will showcase their products during the three-day event, making 2010 MFE more international. In particular, the franchising fees of some F&B, retail and services sectors are lower than MOP 50,000. A Convergence of Multiple Franchise Brands Worldwide
The Expo received positive feedback and participation, especially from F&B and retail sector. Internationally renowned brands such as Fatburger of the USA, NEC from Japan, Little Sheep, 7 Days Inn, Jin Jiang Hotel from Mainland China, Mcdull & Mcmug & Friends, Azona, Come Buy etc from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. It is believed that the participation of brands from these regions will further strengthen the effectiveness and recognition of MFE. More Opportunities for New Starters, More Attractive
As one of the main organizers, Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association has organized its member companies from F&B and retail sectors to join the , There will also be a Food Tasting Area at exhibition hall of the 4th floor, 2010 MFE has advanced both in terms of exhibition scale and varieties of business scope. With this characteristic, the event is aimed to create more business opportunities for participants and business starters. while providing an excellent platform for the development of franchise business. The standardization and systematic operation of franchising enables management efficiency and brand assurance. It assists business starters and business transformation of SMEs in a more efficient way , enabling a franchise business to be launched in the shortest period of time. 2010 MFE also features marketing strategy and financing consultancy services. Supplementary business support services, including Macao Economic Services, Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China will participate in the exhibition, providing consulting services on SME Schemes and financing services for franchise business respectively.
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Pre-arranged Business Matchings to Exploit Business Opportunities
2010 MFE is jointly organized by Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association, Association of China and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Licensing, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA), Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Associationand Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the support of China Chain Store and Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and Japan Franchise Association (JFA) and coordinated by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau. 2010 MFE aims to create business opportunities for business starters and SMEs. Enterprises and interested parties are welcomed and admission is free. Free pre-arranged and on-site business matching sessions will be available and please visit the official website for more information at http://bm.ipim.gov.mo. and contact the MFE Business Matching Service Team at Tel:853 – 28788328; Fax 853-28727506; Email: matching@ipim.gov.mo.
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The 57th Macau Grand Prix will be held from November 18th to 21st this year. Practice and qualifying sessions will take place on November 18th and 19th (Thursday and Friday), while races will be held on November 20th and 21st (Saturday and Sunday). To ensure the smooth running of the race programme, the supplementary regulations for the event are reviewed each year by the Macau Grand Prix Committee (MGPC) and adjusted accordingly. Adjustments this year to the running of the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix are as follows: Free practice will be increased from 30 to 45 minutes, while the qualifying session will be amended from 45 to 30 minutes. In addition, the warm up on Sunday morning will be cancelled to enable drivers to concentrate on the Grand Prix. Safety is the top priority for the event, and this year eligible motorcycles for the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will be uniformly 1000cc or above (Superbike). For the support races, the Macau Touring Car Championship (MTCC) organized by the Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC) will be held at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit in July and August. Macau drivers wishing to enter the CTM Macau Touring Car Race, Macau Road Sport Challenge and/or the Hotel Fortuna MAC/HKG Interport Race at the Macau Grand Prix must qualify via the MTCC events. Eligible marques for entry to the Macau GT Cup this year are: Audi, Aston Martin, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Ginetta. Cars eligible for entry to the Macau Road Sport Challenge are: Audi, BMW, Honda, Lotus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. Marshals play an important role in ensuring the successful running of the event, and the MGPC attaches great importance to marshal training. The applications procedure for marshal posts, organized by the AAMC, was completed at the beginning of June, and more than 1,100 individuals applied. Applicants will go through a three-month training programme from June to September. Instructors will provide training in a variety of areas including the operation of the pits, paddock, paddles and starting procedures, practical training with flag signals, and track clearance. In addition, the AAMC will also provide training sessions for race control personnel, and the scrutineering and local rescue teams, in order to strengthen the skills and expertise of personnel in all areas. For further details of race regulations and other news, please kindly visit the official website of the MGPC www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo.
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