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Macau welcomed almost 720,000 visitors during the Chinese New Year “Golden Week” holiday (Lunar New Year Eve to 6th day of Lunar Year), a slight growth of 0.45% over the same period in 2007. More than 390,000 or 54% of the arrivals were from Mainland China, a growth of 1.03%. During the period, an average of over 13,000 hotel rooms were rented out per day, a surge of 23%. From February 6 to 14, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Provincial Tourism Administrations of Guangdong and Fujian have jointly operated the “Chinese New Year Tourism Notifying System” to ensure enjoyable holidays for visitors. Starting from this year, the 7-day Chinese New Year “Golden Week” holiday begins on New Year’s Eve instead of the 1st day of Lunar Year. According to traditions, Chinese stay home for family dinners on New Year’s Eve and seldom go traveling, which might affect the number of arrivals to Macau this year aside from the cold weather and traffic woes that put off tourists. Despites the hitches, there was a slight increase in arrivals to Macau and the number of occupied hotel rooms soared 23%, showing an increase in overnight guests in Macau.
From February 6 (Lunar New Year’s Eve) to February 12 (6th day of Lunar Year), visitor arrivals grew 0.45% over the Chinese New Year “Golden Week” holiday period of last year to 717,183. A total of 390,311, or 54.4% of the arrivals were from Mainland China, a growth of 1.03%. Since the last Chinese New Year, the number of 3 to 5 star hotel rooms has increased from 11,907 to 15,184, an addition of 3,277 rooms. The significant increase in supply of hotel rooms has resulted in a slight drop in the average occupancy rate during the Chinese New Year “Golden Week” holiday, where 3 to 5-star hotels registered a decrease of 3.75 percentage points. Average room rate for 3 to 5-star hotels was MOP$1322.07, a rise of 17.71% over the Chinese New Year “Golden Week” holiday period of last year. Average room rate of guesthouses was MOP292, an increase of 4.94%, while that of 2-star hotels was MOP540.7, a rise of 5.1% During Lunar New Year, MGTO has reinforced supervision at various tourist attractions and entry checkpoints. MGTO’s information counters and tourist hotline operated as usual to provide visitors with tourist information. As of February 6, MGTO’s tourist hotline has been extended to 24-hour operator service. MGTO has also published a leaflet providing travel tips for Mainland visitors to ensure a smooth and trouble-free visit to Macau. Close collaboration among various departments and the support of tourism and related entities helped to enhance the hospitality of the city to welcome visitors. In addition to the new tourism and entertainment facilities, a series of celebrations and cultural activities took place during Lunar New Year to give a colorful and multi-dimensional experience to both visitors and citizens.
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As a new year comes around and everything looks fresh and cheerful, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) wishes all citizens and visitors good health and prosperity, and that the tourism industry of Macau would scale new heights in the Year of the Rat. MGTO and Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) join hands to organize celebratory activities on the first day of Lunar New Year (Feb 7) at the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square to mark the spring festival and add a festive atmosphere to the city. MGTO launched the 24-hour “Macau Tourist Hotline 2833 3000” on 6 February in which the in-coming calls will be attended by the operator. To be in line with the trend and development of the tourism industry, MGTO especially prolongs the service hours of the “Hotline” to strengthen the services for tourists’ enquiries which used to operate from 08:00 till 24:00 since 2003. MGTO has also published pamphlets providing travel tips for visitors to Macau to be distributed at MGTO’s Information Counters, Immigration Counters at the Checkpoints as well as Macau Consumer Council. Aside from that, Association of Macau Tourist Agents, Macau Travel Agency Association, Travel Industry Council of Macau, Macau Tourist Guide Association and Air Macau also help to deliver the pamphlets to their members for distribution. Macau’s tourism industry achieved a rapid growth in 2007, and total visitor arrivals scored a new high of almost 27 million, an increase of 22% compared with 2006. MGTO has been promoting Macau’s unique multi-cultural characteristics through various activities. Lunar New Year is an important festival in the Chinese society and also a peak season for visitors to experience the traditional celebrations in Macau. MGTO and IACM take this opportunity to express New Year greetings to the citizens and hospitality to the visitors. On the first morning of Lunar New Year, Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes, President of IACM, Mr. Raymond Tam Deputy Directors of MGTO Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Manuel Gonçalves Pires Júnior hosted the eye-dotting ceremony of the golden dragon and lions at the Ruins of St. Paul’s and lit firecrackers at Senado Square to mark the celebrations. Guests and officials from MGTO, teamed up with the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the Gold of Fortune and the Gods of Happiness, Prosperity, and Longevity, greeted the public and distributed “Lai Si” (red packets with lucky money) and souvenirs to residents and visitors. The crowd also enjoyed lively performance by the folkloric art troupe from the Guizhou province The vibrant dragon and lion dances signal Macau to be as energetic and spirited as these noble beasts and “Lai Si” distributed by the God of Fortune bestow good luck and fortune for the Year of Rat. The Lunar New Year celebrations are held on the first and second day of the Lunar New Year. Details of the activities are available on the website of MGTO http://www.macautourism.gov.mo In keeping with tradition, lucky “Lai Si” will be distributed at MGTO counters during Lunar New Year. Each packet contains a 20-cent coin as a symbol of MGTO’s wishes for good luck and prosperity throughout the year. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, MGTO staged a splendid “fireworks display duet” set off from barges anchored in waters just off the Macau Tower to usher in the Year of Rat. Thousands of citizens and visitors gathered at the waterfront for the magnificent spectacle. The above press release can be viewed or down-loaded from the MGTO webstie: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/index.php
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The Government is submitting a bill to the Legislative Assembly to further strengthen its fight against human trafficking. Spokesperson for the Executive Council, Mr Tong Chi Kin, announced at a press conference today that the bill, which, if passed by the Assembly, would give Macao authorities greater power to tackle such activities both to and from Macao, as well as those conducted by Macao residents. Moreover, persons or organisations conducting human trafficking activities for prostitution, enforced labour, slavery and human organ and tissue transplant will all be severely punished. Heavier sentences will be handed down to those who prey on children. Furthermore, the Government will provide the necessary assistance to victims, such as legal advice, accommodation and medical services. The Legislative Assembly will have to pass the bill for it to become law. The Government also passed two by-laws to establish a new bureau to administer traffic related affairs, and to designate two areas as restricted zones for the PLA Garrison Troops in Macao.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, today extended his best wishes to the people of Macao in his Lunar New Year Message. He attributed the rising living standard enjoyed by the residents and prosperity in the society to the combined efforts of all Macao residents. Mr Ho said he was particularly impressed with the younger generation, who displayed their initiatives in response to such a rapidly evolving society. Looking onward, he pointed out that human resources and a harmonious climate would be keys for further development for Macao, and urged the people to work together for the development of the society. He also wished the snowstorm victims on the Mainland healthy and well and to rebuild their homes soon. He particularly extended his gratitude to the Central Government and all the countrymen for the continued supply of daily necessities to Macao despite the recent snowstorms. He also thanked the civil servants and residents who have to work over the holidays. Last but not least, he wished everyone in Macao a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
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Special police measures to prevent and fight crime have resulted in a dramatic drop in most serious cases reported last year, according to police statistics for 2007 just released. Cases of murder, blackmail, and rape have dropped between 23.2 per cent and 42.9 percent compared to 2006, said the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, in releasing last year’s crime statistics this morning. He said total crimes reported have gone 19 per cent up to 12,921 cases, and violent crime has slightly increased, by 4.4%. There was no report of kidnap in 2007. Crimes against property made up of 52.9 per cent of total crime, while crimes against people accounted for 21.4 percent. Crimes against people, one of the five major categories of crimes classified in the Penal Code of Macao, rose by 9.6 per cent to 2,760. Wounding cases increased by 6.5 per cent to 1,915 cases, while criminal intimidation cases slightly increased, by 1.5 per cent. There was an increase of 22 cases of false imprisonment. Crimes against property rose 24.1 percent with 6,835 cases, with pick-pocketing and robbery cases up by 77.7 percent. Meanwhile, blackmail and loan-sharking cases dropped by 14.4 per cent and 23.2 per cent respectively. Crimes against society recorded a rise of 11.1 per cent, the increase attributed to a 38 percent increase in the use of counterfeit banknotes. There were 888 cases of crimes against public order, with false declaration cases having fallen by 15.3 percent. Other crimes not included in the above classifications recorded an increase of 19.9 per cent, with 1,018 cases. On the other hand, drug abuse cases rose by 84.7 percent, while drugs trafficking dropped by 4.2 percent. Juvenile crimes increased by 22.8 percent with 178 cases in 2007, a rise of 104 people compared with 2006. Mr Cheong said the authorities would act more proactively against crimes at tourist spots and strengthen the relationship between police and the public this year.
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Tourism authorities of Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau held a work meeting to set promotional and marketing objectives for this year. The three cities have agreed to join forces to organize promotional activities in Korea and the United States to enhance profile of tourist products in the region. Macau Government Tourist Office Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, Deputy Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes joined the Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau Tourism Work Meeting in Zhongshan on January 29. In the meeting, the tourism leaders of the three cities have set goals to strengthen joint marketing activities. The three tourism bureaus will jointly organize promotional activities in Korea and the United States to enhance the cities’ profile as a regional destination, with the aim to attract more overseas visitors. In addition, the bureaus will also intensify efforts to promote the Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau tourist products in the Mainland while continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in other tourism aspects including employing various promotional tools and improving industry management. The meeting was chaired by Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Bureau Deputy Director-General Liang Zhaoping and Director-General Che Hui concluded the work of the three parties in 2007, followed by reviews on the developments and cooperation achievements by Zhuhai Tourism Bureau Director-General Zhang Meisheng and MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes respectively. In 2006, the three cities signed the “Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau Tourism Cooperation Memorandum” in which contents have been well implemented. Last year, a number of themed promotional materials on Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau, referred to as Greater Xiangshan, have been developed including tourist map, guide book and golf guide. MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes led a delegation of marketing representatives to Zhongshan and Zhuhai last January, while the three bureaus jointly organized a themed tour mission to Xiangshan participated by representatives of over a hundred travel agencies from major cities across the nation last May. The three bureaus also joined together to hold a series of promotions in the Japanese cities of Osaka and Nagoya to promote the tourism brand of Greater Xiangshan. Officials participated at the work meeting were Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Bureau Director-General Che Hui, Zhuhai Tourism Bureau Director-General Zhang Meisheng, MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, Zhongshan Municipal Tourism Bureau Deputy Director-General Liang Zhaoping, Zhuhai Tourism Bureau Deputy Director-General Xun Fengchang, MGTO Deputy Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Mayor of Zhongshan Han Zesheng attended. On the other hand, MGTO Director Costa Antunes, Deputy Director Fernandes and MGTO representatives met with Zhuhai Tourism Bureau on January 31 and discussed on topics to enhance in communication and to complement each other, to explore on deepen/broaden the level of cooperation. Zhuhai Tourism Bureau Director-General Zhang Meisheng said Zhuhai and Macau has been working closely for many years. Since the implementation of the individual visit scheme, until December 31 of 2007, about 7.1 million Mainland travelers came to Macau on the means. If travelers to Macau would also visit Zhuhai, it will greatly boost their tourism industry development. He pointed out visitor arrivals for zhuhai exceeded 17 million in 2007, among which 2.5 million are visitors from foreign countries, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Tourism revenue reached 900 million US dollars. “After the establishment of the Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai Alliance, the tourism route jointly organized by the 3 regions gained great success. Therefore, Zhuhai could explore on more cooperation levels with Macau”, Zhang added. “Themed activities such as car race, hot spring, golf, overseas Chinese cultures of Zhuhai could become regional tourism resources with Macau.” During the meeting, Deputy Mayor of Zhuhai Jin Zhanyang expressed that Zhuhai should further cooperate with Macau as its advanced hardware tourism facilities are worthy for Zhuhai to learn from. MGTO Director Costa Antunes responded that Macau should also gain knowledge from Zhuhai’s experience on creating theme parks, and to learn for more cooperation with Zhuhai on business tourism. At the same time, the two regions may also learn the promotional strategies from each other. For instance, car racing, should study on technology, information and training aspects. MGTO will be sending staffs of different fields for communication exchange with Zhuhai.
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The Government will contribute HK$120 million towards relief efforts in four Mainland provinces most seriously affected by the recent snowstorms, namely Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi and Anhui. Each province will receive HK$30 million contribution. Tomorrow it will also hand over HK$5 million from the Macao Foundation for the snowstorms victims, to the Chinese Red Cross through the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR. The Government, highly concerned with the effects of the natural disaster to provinces and its people, will keep close contact with the relevant Mainland departments and work with the Central Government to assist the victims.
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The Government would study the verdict passed by the Court of Final Appeal on the Ao Man Long case and examine closely the projects mentioned in the former minister's corruption trial. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, disclosed this today when he was asked by reporters for comments on the projects involved in the case. Mr Lau said the Government would study the verdict and examine all the projects very closely. Moreover, public interests and legitimacy would be the utmost concern for the Government when it makes any decisions on these projects in the future, he said.
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The Government has no plans to revise the gaming tax nor it is considering the issue, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said today. Mr Tam stated this when he was asked by reporters for comments at a Lunar New Year reception hosted by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR. He also said that the Government would consult the public over the legal framework of the establishment of a financial reserve system. Mr Tam said this was due to Government's increasing revenues, which saw an accumulation exceeding 50 billion patacas in the last two years, largely due to increased revenues from gaming tax, property transfer tax and other levies. He also disclosed that the Government has plans to increase the pension for the elderly, which is administered by the Social Security Fund, and lower the minimum eligible age to 60.
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We should act in accordance to the interest of the nation and Macao, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. Speaking at the Lunar New Year reception hosted by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Ho said the evolution of the society, rapid economic growth and enhanced living standard achieved over the past eight years should be attributed to the support of the Central Government and the relentless pursuit of residents. He said that the SAR accumulated experience through testing and had enhanced its unity in face of difficulties. Moreover, it faced challenges, which in turns brought opportunities to the society. The SAR had walked through a bumpy road, but this experience laid a firmer foundation for the future, he said. He urged the residents to put the interests of the nation and Macao as the top priority, unite as a whole, facilitate social harmony, and work hard to optimise the industrial structure; thus, the long-term stability of Macao could be achieved. Afterwards, he expressed his gratitude to the Liaison Office for its vigorous support for the SAR, and wished members of the Liaison Office and all the other guests good health and a prosperous year ahead.
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