News

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organized a 10 day long “World Heritage Photo Exhibition – Macau Historic Centre” from October 9 in Paris, to promote Macau's unique cultural heritage and to reinforce its image as a prominent tourism destination. Director João Manuel Costa Antunes of MGTO, Minister-Advisor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in France, Mr. Qu Xing, Head of Chinese Culture Center of the PRC in Paris, Mrs Hou Xianghua, Head of Promotion & Marketing Department of MGTO, Cecilia Tse and General Manager of MGTO Representative Office in France, Cyrille Schwartz officiated the Opening Ceremony. In 2005, "The Historic Centre of Macau" is enlisted on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List, raising the number of World Heritage Sites in China to 31. A selection of photos showcasing "The Historic Center of Macau", through which MGTO aims to further promote the world heritage of Macau in the European markets, will be displayed between October 9-18. The Chinese Cultural Center of the PRC is situated nearby the Seine River, in a prestigious building of the Haussmann period, where the culture of east meets west. To take the promotion a step further, on October 8, MGTO took part at the Opening Ceremony of Asia Pacific Roadshow (L’ASIE PACIFIQUE dans votre ville) at the Quai Branly Museum (Musée du quai Branly) to provide tourism destinations from Asia Pacific to market their products to French travel industry. Approximately 200 sellers and 400 buyers attended the event. Macau is represented with a stand to highlight Macau's multi-faceted tourism products and to distribute latest tourism information. In addition, the representation office of France, together with other Asia Pacific destinations, also attend a series of the Roadshow in other cities, Lille (Oct 14), Marseille (Oct 18), Nice (Oct 20), Strasbourg (Oct 23) to raise Macau’s image in France. The representative office of MGTO in France was set up in 2005, to expand the European market for Macau. Last year Macau welcomed over 36,000 visitors from France, nearly 26 per cent year-on-year growth. From January to August this year, received over 28,000 visitors, a growth of 23% compared to same period of last year.
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A co-ordination group for food safety today decided on a string of measures to further tighten controls on food safety. These include stricter supervision of food imports, establishing communication mechanism with neighboring regions, centralising the arrangement of laws on food inspection, and providing training for food inspectors. The Health Bureau and the Economic Services Bureau would continue to examine dairy products and announce results as they become available. Past test results are posted on the Macao Government website (www.gov.mo) and the Health Bureau website, where there is a specific information zone about melamine (http://www.ssm.gov.mo/foodsafety/melamine/cn/index.html). People could also call the hotline (2856 1122) operated by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for information.
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Jointly organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), the “Catalogue Show of Canadian Products and Services” will be held from 13th October to 24th October 2008 (office hour only) at IPIM’s SME Service Centre of IPIM at Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpçao No. 263, Edif. China Civil Plaza, 19 Andar, Macau (office hours: 09:00 am – 18:00 pm). Located in the North America, Canada’s major national outputs rely on natural resource industry, manufacturing industry and service industry. Major exports range from motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, electronics, oil, natural gas, metals, wood and fertilizers. In 2007, imports from Canada reached 90.8 million patacas, of which mainly included machinery and equipment, wood, medicine, skincare and food. Compared with import value of 98.5 million in 2006.Till July 2008, total import value already reached 68.9 million patacas, a 41.7% increased in comparing with the same period in 2007(Jan – July). Canada has been having frequented trading cooperation with Macau, its investment scope in Macau has included Educational, Traveling and Trading service industries. The captioned event is going to be the first American country-themed Catalogue Show ever held at SMEC Display catalogues in this Show include Food and Beverage, Medical and Health, Environmental industry, Construction and Building products, Education, Information and Communication Technology, etc. There are in total over 50 types of Catalogues, such as Agriculture industry, seafood industry and food promotion etc. As well as introducing the different types of Canadian’s industries’ developments, product pamphlets of 17 Canadian companies/export associations in the collection include, food and beverage, medical and health, and educational organization are looking for product agents and distributors in Macao. Local SMEs in search for partners or distribution rights from Canada and interested parties are cordially invited to visit at MBSC during office hours (9am to 6 pm). For queries, please contact Mr Ho or Ms Wong of Small and Medium Enterprise Service Centre (28728212) or visit IPIM’s website and Macao Trade and Invest Kiosk.
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The AACVB announced its commitment to promote Asia as a MICE hub, at the 20th AACVB Annual General Meeting and the 2nd Asian Meeting Industry Leaders’ Summit, held between October 5 and 6 in Bangkok. Although AACVB was established in 1983, the newly-announced management changes and action plan reflect a new high level commitment and unity of purpose to drive the future of the regional MICE industry. Destinations around the region have given their strong backing to AACVB’s members due to the growing importance of the MICE sector to national economies across Asia. At the event, top Asian MICE industry leaders from Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea and Thailand developed a new action, focusing on 5 key goals for Asia’s MICE industry; · AACVB plans to raise its members’ share of the global convention market · World-class standards in Asia’s MICE sector are to be established.
· Asian branding for MICE products and services are to be developed and promoted
· MICE business will be promoted as a key economic driver in the region. · Communication and collaboration among members will be facilitated, in order to ensure effective and successful market positioning and competitive strategy. The meeting also discussed the expansion of its membership base to facilitate wider networking. As a result, the AACVB’s by-laws have been amended, re-defined to state that “…membership in AACVB will be available to MICE Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) which are responsible for developing MICE business in the “Asian market region” and MICE related registered enterprises within a voting member’s destination.”. Changes in AACVB’s organization were also announced at the event. Mr.Natwut Amornvivat Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau president was elected as AACVB’s new president. Executive Director of the Philippines Convention and Visitors Corporation, Mr.Daniel L.Corpuz was elected as AACVB Vice-President, and Mr. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, voted to serve as AACVB secretary and treasurer. Mr. Amornvivat stated that “ This is a clear sign that the association is in harmony to move
ahead with a clear plan to make Asia as one of the world’s leading region for MICE. “The success of this meeting reflects the seriousness and commitment among all members. AACVB’s members are working even harder to break down boundary barriers to promote Asia as a major MICE destination’. Mr. Amornvivat indicated that AACVB’s plans will be clarified when its new strategic plan will be finalized at its next meeting in Macau on 24th October. Mr. Amornvivat added that Asia has major potential to become a key global MICE destination. The region is the world’s fastest-growing economy, especially China and India. All destinations are also more diverse as a selling point to attract corporate clients. Joining hands between members will also help increase regional competitiveness. AACVB was founded in 1983 in Manila, the Philippines; Macau has hosted the headquarters and permanent secretariat of the Association since 1987.
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The Government today inked temporary two-year concession contracts on public passenger transport with two bus companies, effective 15 October 2008. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, signed on behalf of the Macao SAR Government, with the present public bus operators, namely TCM (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos de Macau) and Transmac (Macau Mass Transport Company). In accordance with the contract terms, the Government would strengthen its leading role in coordination of bus routes. Meanwhile, the bus operators have to invest resources in purchasing new vehicles, provide professional training for drivers to lift the quality of bus services. In the future, the Government would introduce competition by opening up certain routes to other operators.
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Macau welcomed 645,513 visitors during the China National Day golden week (September 29 to October 5), a 10.01 per cent increase compared to the same period (1 October to 7 October) of last year. Among the total of visitors, 63 per cent, or more than 410 thousand people, came from Mainland China, 6.46 per cent more than the same period in 2007, according to figures of the Public Security Police Force. On the other hand, the number of international visitors saw a strong increase of 50 per cent during golden week, amounting to a 10.21 per cent share of the total. Both the average occupancy rate and hotel room rate have also slightly decreased. According with figures provided by Macau hotels, the occupancy rate of three to five star hotels was 81.7 per cent, a slightly decrease of 3.61 percentage point compared to the golden week last year. During the golden week this year, Macau counted a total of 16,363 available hotel rooms, comparing with the number of last year, there was an increase of 1,776 rooms. At the same time, the average of total occupied rooms were 13,437 with a growth of 8.2 percent, showing more tourists stayed overnight in hotels during that period. The hotel room rate of three to five stars hotels was 1,062.36 patacas, a small decrease of 2.64 percent compared to last year. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Guangdong Provincial Tourism Administration and the Fujian Tourism Administration activated from September 25 the Golden Week notification system. The channel of communication remains in force until today, October 6. MGTO asked tourism operators to make more use of the border gate at Cotai (Ponte Flor de Lótus) as a gateway to entry and exit Macau in order to disperse tourists. Urban public bus companies were also asked to send more vehicles to the routes passing by Ponte Flor de Lótus Bridge. During the golden week period MGTO inspectors intensified surveillance at Macau’s most visited sites. MGTO is also distributing the brochure "Enjoy Macau", reminding Mainland tourists on matters to pay attention to when visiting the city. MGTO’s Information Counters and the Tourist Hotline (28333000) functioned as usual during the holiday period.
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The Government will introduce a series of measures to limit the employment of foreign workers, to boost the employment of local workers in Macao. This was announced by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, when attended a special meeting in the Legislative Council. Mr Tam gave details of the measures to legislators and to hear their comments. He said the government would: - Effective 1 January 2009, not approval any application for importing foreign labour to fill in supervisory positions in the gaming industry, - With immediate effect, not accept any new application for the import of construction workers. The Government would review the present situation and may gradually reduce the numbers already here, and - Halve the number of foreign workers currently employed as cleaners or security guards, by not renewing contracts when they expire. Mr Tam explained the move was aimed at lowering the unemployment rate of local workers in Macao.
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Macau welcomed 390,683 visitors on the first four days (September 29 to October 2) of the China National Day golden week, a 13.2 per cent increase compared to the same period of last year. Among the total of visitors, 65 per cent, or 254,139 people, came from Mainland China, 6.3 per cent more than the same period in 2007, according to figures of the Public Security Police Force referring to the period from September 29 to October 2. On the other hand, the number of international visitors saw a strong increase of 63.5 per cent on the first four days of the golden week, amounting to a 9.6 per cent share of the total, corresponding to 37,671 visitors. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Guangdong Provincial Tourism Administration and the Fujian Provincial Tourism Administration activated from September 25 the Golden Week notification system. The channel of communication will remain in force until October 6. Through this notification system, the Macau side transmits to its counterparts in Guangdong and Fujian daily information such as average room rates of hotels and inns for the ensuing five days, hotel occupancy rates and the number of visitors that entered Macau the day before, including the share of Mainland China visitors. During the golden week period MGTO inspectors are intensifying surveillance at Macau’s most visited sites. MGTO is also distributing the brochure "Enjoy Macau", reminding Mainland tourists on matters to pay attention to when visiting the city. MGTO’s Information Counters and the Tourist Hotline (28333000) are functioning as usual during the holiday period. This text is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
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Brezac Artificef from France netted the top prize, while Japan’s Tamaya Art Pyro Technics and Chinese Taiwan’s Wan Dar Fireworks Mfg took second and third places in the Wynn Macau - 20th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest at a ceremony held at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center on October 1. Macau Government Tourist Office Director João Manuel Costa Antunes presented the trophy and prize to the winner, who also received a trophy from title sponsor Wynn Macau, awarded by Wynn Macau President and General Manager, Mr Ian Coughlan. The production subsidy and cash prizes to the fireworks teams were increased this year to enhance the quality and attractiveness of the contest. Cash prize to the winner was increased to US$8,000, while prizes to the first and second runners-up were increased to US$4,000 and US$2,500 respectively. The contest this year featured ten teams from Germany, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, France, Australia and China. To celebrate this 20th edition, MGTO has purposely invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. A number of teams competing in the contest this year have won before in Macau, including a two-time champion from Japan and winning teams from Portugal and France. Mr. Antunes noted in his speech that this year MGTO has specially arranged the 10 fireworks teams to meet with the media before their performances to introduce the characteristics, theme and message of each show so that the audience can enjoy the fireworks with greater interest. Macau Government Tourist Office will continue to organize a wide spectrum of promotional activities to enrich the tourism resources of Macau as well as to boost its charm as a tourist destination. The organizer arranged China's Liuyang Jiding Fireworks Manufacture Export Co., Ltd to present the last fireworks show to celebrate China’s National Day. Crowds of residents and visitors enjoyed the fireworks during the National Day holiday at various spots of Macau and Taipa, adding a festive and joyful atmosphere to the city. This year again, each participating team was requested to complement their display with music. Each team used different musical arrangements, ranging from classical or contemporary to originally composed music, coupled with special themes (e.g. care for Sichuan’s earthquake victims) and features to enthrall the audience. Organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has a history of 20 years and receives wide accolades and recognition. This year Wynn Macau continues to be the title sponsor for the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest. The annual glamorous fireworks displays, together with the colorful complementary activities have become a signature event that brings a splendid experience to both the public and visitors in Macau. To add a festive atmosphere to the fireworks display contest, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau jointly presented the Fireworks Carnival 2008 on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower on each of the fireworks display nights, offering an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights. This press release is available on MGTO’s website: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/index.php?page_id=172
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The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, said today that the Government paid much attention to the appeals of civil servants and had been renewing civil service legislations in accordance with the Government’s plans. She stressed that the SAR Government respected the lawful rights of all residents, including civil servants, in voicing their opinions. She said the SAR Government had been renewing a series of legislations governing the employment and benefits of civil servants.
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