News

Macao reported 85 new Influenza A (H1N1) cases today, taking the total number of such cases to 1,352. In the 24 hours prior to noon, 41 males and 44 females were tested positive for the virus. They were between nine months and 53 years old. Clusters of H1N1 cases were found in five classes of four primary and secondary schools, while clusters of seasonal flu cases were found in three schools. Students from these classes are required to stay home and not go to school. Four patients had recovered and were discharged from hospital today, with 14 still in hospital for treatment. Macao’s pandemic alert remained at Level VI, Blue, which indicated that the spread of the virus was moderate.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, arrived in Xiamen, Fujian, today for tomorrow’s opening ceremony of the 13th China International Fair for Investment & Trade. He was welcomed by the Vice Governor of Fujian Province, Mr Zhang Zhinan, at the airport and later met the Secretary of CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, Mr Lu Zhangong, and the Governor of Fujian Province, Mr Huang Xiaojing. Speaking to the press before leaving Macao, Mr Ho said it was expected that Macao’s economy would develop steadily in the second half of the year, despite the challenges and uncertainties brought about by the global financial turmoil. Mr Ho said the Government would make good use of the favourable policies of the Central Government and continue to boost the economy, promote employment and ensure the people’s livelihood.
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This month was cooler and drier than normal. The monthly mean air temperature, monthly mean minimum air temperature and monthly mean maximum air temperature were 28.1, 25.6 and 31.3 degree Celsius respectively, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.2 degree Celsius lower than the normals respectively. The monthly mean minimum air temperature was also the lowest of July since 2001. The monthly minimum air temperature was 22.3 degree Celsius and the second lowest of July in the record, just higher than 22.1 degree Celsius recorded on 15th July 1961. The monthly mean relative humidity was 72%, 10.2% lower than the normal. The monthly minimum relative humidity was 35%. Both were the lowest values of July in the record. The total insolation was 238 hours, 11.8 hours more than the normal. The monthly total evaporation was 75.8 mm, 17.1 mm less than the normal. The monthly precipitation and accumulated precipitation since January were 229.4 mm and 1125.6 mm respectively, 70.6 mm and 267.3 mm less than the normals respectively. Six Thunderstorm Warnings and one Rainstorm Warning were issued during this month. Furthermore, the Tropical Cyclones Signals were hoisted from 22:00 on day 10 to 07:00 on day 12 as well as 23:00 on day 17 to 12:30 on day 19 respectively because of the approaching of Tropical Storm "Soudelor" and Typhoon "Molave". The Region was under the influence of a southerly airstream on day 1 and was under the influence of a southwesterly airstream on day 2 and day 3. Meanwhile, it was cloudy with sunny periods and also with some isolated showers in the morning of day 3. On day 4 and day 5, a trough of low pressure made the local weather to be mainly cloudy with thundery showers. Furthermore, the Rainstorm Warning was issued from 22:05 to 23:10 on day 4 because of the heavy showers. The monthly minimum air temperature, 22.3 degree Celsius, was also recorded on day 4. Lightning also occurred on day 5. It was cloudy with sunny periods, isolated showers and lightning under the influence of a southerly airstream on day 6. A ridge of high pressure brought the hot and mainly fine weather to the Region in the following two days. Since day 9, it became fine, dry and very hot under the influence of the hot airmass. The Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 was hoisted at 22:00 on day 10 due to the approaching of a tropical depression. On day 11, the tropical depression intensified into a tropical storm and was named "Soudelor". It crossed the northern part of South China Sea. The local weather was very hot and fine, apart from cloudy periods and occasional showers. As "Soudelor" was further approaching to Macao, the Signal No. 3 was hoisted at 19:00. On day 12, as "Soudelor" was weakening and departing from Macao as well as a ridge of high pressure came into effect, all signals were lowered at 07:00. It was mainly fine with some showers in the early morning. On day 13, it remained mainly fine. On day 14, it was hot and cloudy with sunny periods. On day 15, a ridge of high pressure and a low pressure area over South China Sea affected the local weather together. It was very hot and cloudy with sunny periods and some thundery showers in the morning. From day 16 to the beginning of day 18, it was very hot and fine apart from cloudy periods and isolated showers under the influence of a ridge of high pressure. The monthly maximum air temperature, 36.2 degree Celsius, was recorded on day 18. On the other hand, a tropical depression was intensifying and approaching to the Region. It intensified into a tropical storm on day 16 and was named "Molave". It further intensified into a severe tropical storm on day 17. The Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 was hoisted at 23:00 on the same day. On day 18, "Molave" intensified into a typhoon. As "Molave" approached to Macao towards the end of the day, Signal No. 3 substituted Signal No. 1 at 18:30. The local weather became showery with thunderstorms and lightning. On day 19, all signals were lowered at 12:30 because of the weakening and departure of "Molave". It was cloudy with showers, heavy at times in the beginning of the day. The monthly highest daily precipitation, 68.6mm, was recorded on that day. On day 20, it was cloudy with sunny periods and occasional showers under the influence of a southerly airstream. In the following three days, a ridge of high pressure made the local weather to be fine, apart from cloudy periods and isolated showers. The Region became to be affected by a southwesterly airstream since day 24. It was cloudy with sunny periods and isolated showers. Furthermore, lightning also occurred on day 26. It was cloudy with sunny periods and showers, thundery at times on day 28. The local weather was under the influence of a southerly airstream on day 29 and under the influence of a maritime airstream on day 30 and day 31. It was cloudy with sunny intervals and isolated showers. Some meteorological elements and their deviation from the 30-year mean ( 1971 - 2000 ) * Please find the attachment.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, today met the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr Jan Fischer. Mr Fischer arrived in Macao from Hong Kong about noontime and paid a courtesy call on Mr Ho at Santa Sancha. During the meeting, they exchanged ideas on tourism and trade. Mr Fischer attended a luncheon hosted by Mr Ho, and visited some attractions in Macao before returning to Hong Kong on the same day. Also attended the meeting were the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On, the Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, Mr João Manuel Costa Antunes, and the President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Lee Peng Hong.
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To express support to mainland students, IFT establishes a new scholarship in the academic year 2009/10 to provide financial assistance to mainland students with excellent academic results but are lack of financial support. Each year, one scholarship will be awarded tuition fee and living expense. Luo Xiaoyan from Sichuan Province won the scholarship this year and has arrived Macao last week to prepare herself for the start of university life. With excellent academic performance and English proficiency, Luo was studying at Sichuan Chengdu Wuhou Secondary School and was recommended to apply for the newly established scholarship. Luo attended the “Unified Exams of Admissions of National Universities and Colleges”, with a score above the first level standard of admission. Upon passing the English admission interview of IFT, she was admitted to the Tourism Business Management bachelor degree programme and won the scholarship for mainland students. Luo is excited and very pleased to be granted the scholarship, and thanks IFT for giving her the opportunity to further her study. She feels very fortunate to begin her university life in Macao, the prosperous tourism city. She also expresses gratitude for the nurture and recommendation of Wuhou Secondary School, and looks forward to contribute to the society upon graduation. Student who is granted this scholarship will be fully exempted from tuition fee, hostel fee, as well as meal expenses at the student cafeteria. In addition, a monthly allowance of MOP1,000 will also be granted, sponsored by IFT-BNU Credit Card foundation. Being one of the public higher institutions in Macao, IFT was supported by various associations, individuals and corporations to grant a wide range of scholarships to over 50 distinguished students. IFT has been persistent in providing quality education and making contributions to the industry and the society. IFT anticipates that, with the establishments of various scholarships, students are encouraged to learn and achieve higher academic goals, or participate in exchange programme and overseas internship programme, so as to broaden their horizons and be prepared for their future responsibilities in the tourism industry.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, is to leave for Fujian Province tomorrow to attend the opening ceremony of the 13th China International Fair for Investment & Trade. Organised by the Ministry of Commerence, the trade fair will be opened on Tuesday in Xiamen, Fujian. The trade fair will not only showcase China’s investment environment, image, policies and business opportunities to promote foreign investment in China, but also promote Chinese enterprises to invest overseas. Members of Mr Ho’s delegation include the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On, and the President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Lee Peng Hong. The Institute will organise nearly 100 Macao businesspeople to participate in the trade fair. The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be the Acting Chief Executive while Mr Ho is away.
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To stimulate the development of the tourism industry and support the travel trade in tackling the current adversity, Macau Government Tourist Office has launched the "Plan to Support Macau Tourism Industry" on May 18, followed by a revision in effect on August 1, committing more resources to boost the effect of the plan. Since the implementation of the plan, tourism industry stakeholders have shown positive responses to the plan, which is also yielding encouraging results. From the launch of the plan on May 18 till September 2, 10,348 Celebrate Macau Tours, which aim to drive inbound group traffic from target markets, were organized (9,366 groups staying one night and 982 groups staying two nights or more), involving 248,238 visitors and a budget of over MOP$16 million. 14,093 individual visitors enjoyed the World Heritage "Historic Centre of Macau" Free Guiding Service at the Ruins of St Paul's and Senado Square launched jointly by MGTO and the Macau Tourist Guide Association. MGTO’s Macau Business Tourism Center has introduced the "Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Program" to assist business tourism partners. The stimulation program, which includes three categories: Meetings and Conventions, Exhibitions and Incentives, has supported a total of 40 MICE events, including 21 meetings and conventions, 9 exhibitions and 10 incentive travel events, involving a budget of over MOP10 million. Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes expressed that with the global financial crisis and pandemic threat of H1N1 hitting the world, the tourism industry of Macau inevitably faced certain impact. “Since the plan came into effect, we are seeing positive results,” he pointed out. With the gradual narrowing in the rate of decline in visitor arrivals, the slight increase in average length of stay in June, the rise in the percentage of overnight stay visitors in June and July, as well as the increased visitor traffic observed in August, coupled with improvement on other economic indicators, we believe that we are seeing signs of a rebound situation, Mr. Antunes said. MGTO will closely monitor the situation of the tourism industry and make adjustments to the “Plan to Support Macau Tourism Industry” when necessary. MGTO will continue to work hand in hand with all the stakeholders to expand the source markets, to enhance the competitive edge of the tourism products and service quality, to turn adversity into advantage and risks into opportunities. With the gradual improvement of the economic environment and better control of the H1N1 threat, the tourism industry of Macau is on its way to emerge from the gloom.
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The "21st Macau International Fireworks Display Contest" kicks off today (September 5, 2009) as the fireworks teams from Spain and Korea light up the sky of Macau with splendid fireworks. Director of Macau Government Tourist Office João Manuel Costa Antunes officiate the opening ceremony at the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza. Held on September 5, 12, 19, 26 and October 1 (9 & 10 p.m.) at the sea area across the Macau Tower, 21st Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has attracted ten teams from around the world to vie for the contest.
The contest this year features ten teams from Spain, Korea, Chinese Taiwan, France, Italy, the Philippines, Japan, Portugal, Austria and China; each will show off their pyrotechnic wizardry to spectators both from Macau and overseas. Fireworks team from Spain, Zamorano Caballer Pirotecnia S.A will unveil the Contest for this year. The company has a history of more than 130 years and has won over 100 prizes throughout the world in fireworks festivals and contests. The preservation of traditional techniques and craftsmanship accompanied by the pursuit of new technologies has kept the company on the leading edge of the fireworks industry. Representatives of the team said that the majority of fireworks they used are their own products. They will use traditional and contemporary Spanish music during their presentation, showing their passion to the audience through fireworks. The Hanwha Corporation, the leading company of the industry in Korea takes the second show of the night. Participating the Macau contest for the 10th time this year, Hanwha Corporation mainly uses multimedia fireworks display. The Korean team will show their fireworks in a fan-like style that represent the culture of Korea. With the dance music, they look forward to bring a joyful firework display to the audience. To enhance the effect and audience enjoyment, sound systems are installed at the waterfront of the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza, at the Macau Tower Street seaside and at the square in front of Kun Iam Statue on Ave. Dr Sun Yat Sen so that the public can enjoy synchronized music to the spectacular displays. Spectators are able to listen to live music of the fireworks displays through Radio Macau's live broadcast at FM100.7. The organizer will attribute US$20,000 to each fireworks team as subsidy. The winner will receive US$8,000, trophy and certificate. First and second runners-up will receive US$4,000, US$2,500, trophies and certificates respectively. To further enhance the event, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau join hands again to present the Fireworks Carnival 2009 on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower. The opening ceremony of the Fireworks Carnival 2009 will be held today (September 5) at 8:00pm. Citizens can enjoy an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights at the carnival between 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. on each of the fireworks display nights. Over 20 stalls offering snacks and souvenirs will also add sparkle to the party. The press release is available on MGTO’s website: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/index.php
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The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launched another innovative campaign on 3rd Sept, the ‘Experience Macau Bus Tour’, to celebrate the upcoming 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (S.A.R.), in conjunction with the MATTA Travel Fair which is taking place over the weekend of 4-6 Sept 2009 in Kuala Lumpur. The launch event was officiated by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Representative in Malaysia, Tunku Dato’ Seri Iskandar Tunku Abdullah, accompanied by lion dance and Portuguese folk dance performances – representing the blend of eastern and western cultures in Macau. The event was witnessed by more than 50 partners from the travel industry, airlines and media representatives. The eye-catching colorful double-decker bus was decked with the ‘Experience Macau’ branding showcasing the five experiences - See, Taste, Feel, Hear and Touch the difference. The Experience Macau Bus will be embarking on a tour around major cities and towns throughout Malaysia for a period of one month starting on 3 Sept 2009. The Experience Macau bus is a mobile Macau Gallery to showcase the uniqueness and difference of Macau - a city that is literally and uniquely sensational! “As a result of a centuries-old crossroads between the East and West, Macau today is an intoxicating blend of both. Macau lets you experience its multicultural environment and world heritage sites that make Macau so unique”, said Tunku Iskandar. “Even though Macau is compact, there’s so much to do, and so much to see, that a holiday in Macau will be one that you’ll never forget”. In conjunction with the Experience Macau Bus Tour around Malaysia, there will be activities and many attractive offers on sale and giveaways. For those who purchase a Macau holiday package, they will be able to join the Double Celebration Draw and stands a chance to win daily prizes and also the Grand Draw, which includes a luxurious holiday package for 2 to Macau, with accommodation at the intimate Four Seasons Hotel Macao, stylish MGM Grand Macau or the Venice-theme Venetian Macao Resort-Hotel plus show tickets to “Zaia”, a dazzling Cirque du Soleil performance which is the first permanent show in Asia. In February 2009, MGTO Malaysia launched the “Celebrate Macau Packages” – a collection of 5 fabulous thematic tour packages to attract Malaysians and other visitors with varied interests, to explore and experience Macau. In May, MGTO also launched the “Plan To Support Macau Tourism Industry” to attract more visitors to Macau as well as to maintain the momentum and competitive edge Macau has been building as an international destination. At present, AirAsia provides 21 times weekly direct services between Kuala Lumpur and Macau, and also 3 times weekly services direct from Penang and Kuching to Macau and 4 times weekly services direct from Kota Kinabalu to Macau. The press release is available on MGTO’s website: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/index.php
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Macao today reported its first fatality from Influenza A (H1N1), a 40-year-old female patient who passed away after admitted to hospital two weeks ago. The patient, suffering from breathing difficulties and double pneumonia, had been in a critical condition since she was transferred to Hospital Conde S. Januário from Kiang Wu Hospital on 18 August. Her health condition showed no improvement and deteriorated in the morning. She passed away at 12:05 pm. Today 44 new cases were reported, taking the total number of Influenza A (H1N1) cases to 1,045 so far. Five patients had recovered and were discharged from hospital today, with six still in hospital, most of them in a stable and fair condition. Macao’s pandemic alert remained at Level VI, Blue, which indicated that the spread of the virus was moderate.
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