News

The Government has revised its plan for reclamation by cutting the proposed area from 500 hectares to 400 hectares, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, said today. He said the Government adjusted the plan slightly after taking into consideration the opinion of related ministries and departments of the Central Government. Answering questions at the Legislative Assembly today, Mr Lau said with the adjustment, the total area for development would also be reduced from 398 to 350 hectares. Mr Lau re-iterated that the reclaimed land would not be used for building gaming premises or low density houses. He said about 60 per cent would be designated for open areas such as plazas, green areas, roads and public facilities, with areas reserved for public housing and projects that would benefit the diversification of Macao’s economy. Two of the reclamation zones would be in the northeast of Macao Peninsula (Zone A), the south of Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen (Zone B), and three in the north of Taipa (Zone C, D and E). Zone A will cover 138 hectares and is designated for residential buildings, schools, green and public facilities, with some of the areas for the MICE industry and other projects. Zone B will cover 47 hectares and will be used for public institutions, roads, green areas and seashore avenues. Zone C, D and E will cover 165 hectures and will be used for residential buildings, transportation infrastructure, green areas and recreational facilities. Mr Lau said that the Government would consult the public on the plan when it has been approved by the Central Government.
…

The International Culinary Academy @ IFT is a new work team that was set up in April 2009. The objectives are to advance the development of the arts of culinary in Macao through various research projects, to enhance communications and exchange in the industry, as well as to coordinate both locals and international culinary and F&B related events for a more diversified tourism development. The Institute For Tourism Studies and Alliance Française de Macao has the great honour in inviting Dr. Hervé This to deliver a talk in “Evolution in Cooking Arts – Molecular Gastronomy” on 23 April at the Institute For Tourism Studies. This is the first big event coordinated by the International Culinary Academy @ IFT. In recent years, molecular gastronomy has become the trend in modern culinary. Many restaurants taking this theme opened gradually in South-East Asian countries such as Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The concepts of molecular gastronomy are to explore traditional cooking methods through a scientific discipline. Such as experimenting the effects of different cooking temperatures and times have on food, or adding in different substances to the food and observe its physical and chemical changes. These results will then be applied to create a brand new cooking method and culinary experiences. The concepts of molecular gastronomy were brought up by Dr. Hervé This as early as in 1980s. Dr. This is a French physical chemist. He works at the “Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique” and his main are of interest is molecular gastronomy. He has got a degree in “Physico-Chime des Materiaus” (Physical Chemistry of Materials) and a PhD in Molecular Gastronomy. He has written several books on the subject which can be understood even by those who have little or no knowledge of chemistry, with two of them translated in English. He also collaborates with the magazine “Pour la Science” in order to present scientific concepts to the general public. He is a corresponding member of the “Académie d’Agriculture de France” and more recently, the scientific director of the foundation “Food Science & Culture”, which he created at the French Academy of Science. Some of his discoveries include the perfect temperature for cooking an egg (around 65°C, the white coagulates, but not the yolk), and the use of an electrical field to improve the smoking of salmon. He also found that beating an egg white after adding a small amount of cold water considerably increases the amount of foam produced, up to one cubic meter for one egg white. Every month he adds one new “invention” in the Arts and Science section of the website of the Michelin three-star chef Pierre Gagnaire. In this 2-hour seminar, Dr. Hervé This will equip participants with the evolution, development, experiment and basic theory of the latest trend in kitchen cooking art – Molecular Gastronomy, through an in-depth talk and basic demonstration. The seminar will be held on 23 April at 1500 – 1700 at the IFT. Interested parties are welcome to apply online on or before 22 April. There is no charge for this seminar. For enquiry, please call 8598 3016 / 8598 3041. For application: http://www.ift.edu.mo/cn/programmes/paces_current_courses.aspx
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI for March 2009 rose by 2.35% year-on-year to 125.41, of which the price indices of Clothing & Footwear; and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages went up by 12.93% and 9.49% respectively. Among the subgroups of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages, notable increase was observed in the price indices of rice (+32.21%), fresh fish (+31.41%), canned meat (+27.72%), fruit (+12.57%) and vegetables (+10.95%). For the subgroups of Clothing & Footwear, price indices of women’s clothing (+14.19%) and footwear (+14.14%) registered marked increase. Meanwhile, the price indices of Miscellaneous Goods & Services and Health increased by 4.64% and 4.51% respectively, due to dearer prices of articles and products for personal care, and rising charges for hairdressing and grooming services, as well as medical consultation service. On the contrary, the price indices of Transport and Education registered year-on-year decrease of 8.88% and 7.49% respectively, on account of falling gasoline prices and airfares, as well as increase of tuition subsidies to students studying in schools not joining the free education network. The CPI-A and CPI-B for March 2009 were 127.55 and 124.84 respectively, up by 2.29% and 2.32% year-on-year. The Composite CPI for March 2009 rose by 0.43% month-to-month, with the price indices of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages; and Clothing & Footwear increasing by 1.32% and 1.19% respectively, attributable to soaring prices of vegetables and fresh fish, as well as higher prices of new arrivals of clothing. However, the price index of Housing & Fuels decreased by 0.34% due to lower rentals for housing. Moreover, the CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.52% and 0.39% respectively month-to-month. The Composite CPI for the first quarter of 2009 increased by 3.30% year-on-year to 125.61. For the 12 months ended March 2009, the average Composite CPI rose by 7.11% over the preceding period. The Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 49% of households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP3,000 to MOP9,999. The CPI-B relates to about 31% of households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP10,000 to MOP19,999.
…

The Business Forum under the topic “Discovering Opportunities in Tough Times” – the summit of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Meeting – was held today at the MGM Grand Macau with close to 200 participants, including speakers, guests and media. PATA invited around 20 speakers, among tourism industry personalities and academics to discuss the problems and trends of the development of the tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. The key guest speakers were General Manager of Visa China Sheng Li and Google Inc. vice president of sales for Greater China region John Liu. Former CNN presenter Lorraine Hahn moderated the forum. Sheng Li oversees all aspects of Visa’s business in China. Prior to his appointment as General Manager, Sheng was Head of Marketing for China. In this role he was instrumental in putting together Visa’s marketing campaign for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Sheng has also worked at Visa’s headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area where he was responsible for global sponsorship marketing strategy development, among others. Sheng Li is originally from Beijing. Prior to join Visa, Sheng Li worked in Asia, Europe and the U.S. with companies such as Nike and IMG. John Liu joined Google in 2008. He oversees Google’s sales and business development in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Liu was awarded "Ten Outstanding IT Business Leaders of China" in 2006. Prior to joining Google, he served six years at SK Telecom as its CEO and President in China. Liu completed both his Master’s degree in Operation Research in 1992 and PhD in Telecommunication Network Management in 1994 at the Technical University of Denmark. PATA Chairwoman Phornsiri Manoharn, PATA president and chief executive officer Gregory Duffell and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) director, João Manuel Costa Antunes, also spoke at the Business Forum. The organizers invited international, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau media to report on the event, and a media center was set up at the MGM Grand Macau. The day ended with a dinner hosted by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Chui Sai On, to the participants of the PATA Annual Meeting. PATA is the most influential tourism association in the Asia Pacific. MGTO joined PATA in 1966. PATA’s membership includes nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to a global network of PATA chapters. For more information about PATA, please go to: www.pata.org This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
…

The Tourism Crisis Management Office has urged Macao citizens in Brazil or those planning to visit the country to be aware of the recent dengue fever outbreak there and take the necessary preventive measures. In case of emergency, they are asked to contact the Chinese Consulate-General in Rio de Janeiro at 0055-21-87204727, or the tourism hotline at 853-28333000. According to the notice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Consulate-General in Rio de Janeiro said more than 40,000 cases of dengue fever have been reported in several cities in State of Bahía, Brazil, recently. The epidemic has killed 32 people so far and the State Government had declared a state of emergency in seven cities.
…

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Meeting 2009 opened today at the MGM Grand Macau. Over the weekend internal meetings of the association will take place, participated by PATA 2008/2009 Chairman Janice Antonson, PATA 2009/2010 chairman Phornsiri Manoharn, PATA president and chief executive officer Gregory Duffell and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) director João Manuel Costa Antunes, among more than 100 members. The program for the first two days includes meetings of the Human Resource Advisory Committee, Membership Advisory Committee, Communications Advisory Committee, Foundation Board of Trustees, Honours Committee, Events Advisory Committee, Strategic Intelligence Advisory Committee, Sustainable Tourism Advisory Committee. The Board of Directors and the Life Members Forum will also meet. On welcoming the PATA Annual Meeting, Costa Antunes said that “the tourism development of Macau has been unprecedented in the past few years, but when the global financial crisis hits, Macau is no exception and we also feel the pinch in our economy, especially the tourism industry. Like many countries and regions who have adopted stimulus measures to shore up the tourism industry downturn, the Macau SAR Government is also putting every effort to launch soon a relief scheme to support the tourism industry of Macau.” “I also read that the PATA Tourism Forecasts 2009-2011 suggest growth in international arrivals for many destinations across the region – despite the global economic downturn. There are opportunities out there and we need to be proactive and innovative in discovering new opportunities instead of just reacting passively in a crisis mode”, he added. On Monday will be held a Business Forum under the topic “Discovering Opportunities in Tough Times” – the summit of the PATA Annual Meeting. Close to 200 participants, among them speakers, guests and media are expected. PATA invited around 20 speakers, among tourism industry personalities and academics to discuss problems and trends of Asia Pacific tourism industry development. The key guest speakers are General Manager of Visa China Sheng Li and Google Inc. vice president of sales for Greater China region John Liu. The organizers invited international, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau media to report on the event, and a media center will be set up at the MGM Grand Macau. On Tuesday, the last day of the PATA Annual Meeting, the PATA Chapters Meeting will take place, followed by a summary of the meeting presented by the president of the association. PATA is the most influential tourism association in the Asia Pacific. MGTO joined PATA in 1966. PATA’s membership includes nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to a global network of PATA chapters. For more information about PATA, please go to: www.pata.org This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and the Secretary of the Hainan CPC Provincial Committee, Mr Wei Liucheng, met in Hainan today. Mr Wei said the co-operation and exchanges between Macao and Hainan have been elevated since the establishment of the Macao SAR. The economic focus of Hainan was on tourism and the two sides could further their co-operation in the future, said Mr Wei. Mr Ho said that the two sides are complementary to one another in terms of resources in tourism industry and the key for further co-operation would be on transportation. He said that Macao would make further studies on how to enhance co-operation in tourism industry with Hainan. The meeting was also attended by Executive Vice Governor of Hainan, Mr Fang Xiaoyu, and Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On.
…

Premier Mr Wen Jiabao today acknowledged Macao’s efforts in dealing with the current financial crisis. The Premier made his acknowledgement know when he met the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, in Hainan today, when they met at the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2009. Mr Ho had briefed the Premier on the latest economic situation in Macao. Mr Wen said the financial crisis made a huge impact on Macao, and the situation was generally stable since everything that had to be done was carried out accordingly. He said he acknowledged the Government’s effort in dealing with the crisis and hoped that it could continue to work vigorously. He said he believed the Government should prepare for a long battle with the crisis and expected more difficulties ahead, so it should act proactively. Mr Ho said he concurred with what Mr Wen had said, and thanked him for the support of the Central Government, especially in the early stages. The Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Bo, and Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On, were also present at the meeting.
…

Headed by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Chui Sai On, about 200 representatives from the Macau Government Tourist Office, the Macau tourism sector, media and performers went to Shanghai for the “Macau Week In Shanghai” to promote the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau SAR and tourism products and resources under the theme “Experience Macau Celebrations!” The week-long event is kicked off with a colorful inaugural ceremony and cultural show tonight (April 17) at the Century Square on Nanjing Road. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Chui Sai On, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macau SAR, Gao Yan, Chief of Office for the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam and Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes from Macau, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of Shanghai Municipal Party Committee Yang Xiaodu, Vice Mayor of Shanghai Municipal People's Government Zhao Wen, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government Li Ming Jun, Chairman of Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration Dao Shuming and District Major of Shanghai Huangpu District People's Government Zhou Wei from Shanghai are officiated guests at the inaugural ceremony. This is a significant year for Macau SAR as it celebrates its 10th Anniversary. Organized by the MGTO, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and Shanghai Huangpu District People’s Government, with Huangpu district Tourism Administration of Shanghai Municipality as the executive organizer and Macau Grand Prix Committee and Association of Macau Restaurant Merchants as the co-organizers, the large-scale campaign “Macau Week in Shanghai” will promote the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau SAR and tourism products and resources under the theme “Experience Macau Celebrations!” The inaugural ceremony and cultural show features famous Chinese tenor Warren Mok and soprano Liu Lian, Macau band Soler and singer Casimiro Pinto “Miro”, Venetian’s Streetmosphere™, Portuguese folk dance team and Tuna Macaense. Held from April 16 to 22 in Shanghai, highlights of the “Macau Week in Shanghai” include press conference, gala dinner, inaugural ceremony and cultural show, tourism and cultural exhibition, food promotion, panels of Macau Heritage Sites, parade and shows featuring 103 performers. “Macau Week in Shanghai” set up a spacious exhibition area at the Nanjing Road pedestrian zone showcasing Tourism & Cultural Exhibition, Products/Projects Exhibits, Events Promotion Stand, Information Counters and Panels of Macau Heritage Sites. The exhibition area, which opens to public till April 22, has drawn crowds of Shanghai citizens when it opened earlier today. Banners on lampposts, outdoor billboards and advertising balloons are also set up at Nanjing Road to boost promotional effect and atmosphere. Large-scale miniatures of some of Macau’s iconic world heritage sites are displayed at the Tourism and Cultural Exhibition area at the Century Square of Nanjing Road, including a 7 meter tall models of the Ruins of St Paul’s and Guia Lighthouse which allow the Shanghai citizens to “touch” Macau’s unique cultural landmarks. 14 travel trade from Macau also set up booths at the Products/Projects Exhibits area, among which, 8 companies built their own 50-square meter individual booths to showcase their images and characteristics. The Events Promotion Stand features a model of the Macau Grand Prix Control Tower, with one Formula 3 machine and two motorbikes. Tourism information on Macau and souvenirs are being distributed at the Information Counters. The “Historic Center of Macau”, which has been listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage in 2005, is a valuable tourism treasure of Macau. The Panels of Macau Heritage Sites set up on the Nanjing Road will surely give a savor of these East meets West legacy to the public in Shanghai. Delicious Macau snacks and deserts are also on offer at the Food Promotion, like pork chop buns, bacalhau balls, croquetes and marble cake. Visitors to “Macau Week in Shanghai” from April 18 to 22 can also enjoy parade and shows including dragon and lions dance, Venetian’s Streetmosphere™, Portuguese folk dance as well as performance by Macau singers and Tuna Macaense. The organizer hosted a press conference on April 16 to introduce the program of “Macau Week in Shanghai” attended by close to 100 media from Shanghai and Macau. This press release is available at the website: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, has arrived in Hainan today for tomorrow’s opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2009. Speaking to reporters at the airport before his departure, Mr Ho said he would update Premier Wen Jiabao on Macao’s latest development if they had the opportunity to meet there. Asked about the drop in tax revenue in the first quarter of the year, Mr Ho said it was within expectation, due to the economic boom in the past few years and the impact of the current global financial crisis. He said Macao could expect a decrease in the tax revenue this year, though the figure would be within the expectation of the Government. Asked about the election of his successor, Mr Ho said that the Chief Executive Election Committee will be formed on April 26 and he expected the electoral procedure and election date would be announced early next month.
…