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Vice-Chairman of the 10th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Mr Sheng Huaren, has arrived in Macao today. Macao’s Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, met Mr Sheng in the evening and hosted a reception for him. Also attending the meeting were the Director of the Central Government Liaison Office in Macao, Mr Bai Zhijian; the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan; Deputy secretary-generals of the NPC Standing Committee, Mr Wang Wanbin, Mr Qiao Xiaoyang and Mr He Yehui. Mr Sheng is to chair tomorrow’s first plenary session of the electoral conference for the NPC deputy election in Macao and its first Presidium Meeting.
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This year would be another prosperous one for Macao and its people as the increase in their consumption power continues to enhance their living standards, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. In his New Year message to the people, Mr Ho said he expected Macao to become yet more prosperous in the year ahead, and extended his greetings to everyone in Macao and wished them a fruitful year ahead blessed with good health. Reminiscing the previous year, Mr Ho said Macao’s strategy in focusing on the tourism industry took shape in 2007 and brought tangible rewards to the society. The general public contributed their efforts and ideas in public affairs, having prompted some appropriate adjustments in policies and measures, which brought about a more harmonious atmosphere to the society, said Mr Ho. Mr Ho expected the tourism industry would continue its diversification and strengthen other industries, which would maintain a stable employment situation for Macao. Moreover, the increase in the consumption power of the residents would enhance their standard of living, he said. He also expected the increasing and diversifying floating population would also inject the retail business with more consumption. Macao, with the success of building its brand name internationally and because of its internal administrative innovation that enables her to develop a more diversified market in the year ahead, said Mr Ho. He said the government would endeavour to bring advantages to people’s livelihood from fruits of the contemporary prosperous society. He pledged that the government would take measures to restrain destructive impacts that provoked citizens, starting from inflation. Meanwhile, the government would prevent and surmount different challenges as they appeared in the society. Mr Ho also said that the government would continue to its relentless fight against corruption and to heed public opinion to improve on a better society. Last but no least, Mr Ho expressed his warmest wishes to Macao citizens and wished Macao would have a better development in every aspect.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, has accorded honours and awards to 42 people and organisations. This year's recipients are from all walk of life. They have been honoured or awarded in recognition of their significant contribution to Macao or for their dedicated public and community service. The Medal of Honour are awareded to outstanding individuals and organisations for their contribution to the image, reputation and development of the MSAR. Medal of Honour: Ho Stanley Hung Sun (Grand Lotus); Leong Sut U (Grand Lotus); Peter Pan (Golden Lotus); Ngan In Leng (Silver Lotus); The Medal of Merit, in seven categories including Profession, Industry and Commerce, Tourism, Education, Culture, Altruism and Sport are given to the outstanding individual and organisation that have distinguished service in promoting the development of the relevant sectors in Macao. Medal of Merit: Ho Mei Va (Profession); Lam Chong In (Profession); Leong Ngan (Profession);
Wong Shoo Kee (Industry and Commerce); Kou Hoi In (Industry and Commerce); Herculano Jorge de Sousa (Industry and Commerce); Adriano das Neves (Tourism);
Wong Kam Chun (Tourism);
Un U Wa (Education); Cheng Man Ling Dorothy (Education); Lei Iok Tin (Culture); Tuna Macaense (Culture); Maria de Fátima Salvador dos Santos Ferreira (Altuism); Lo Siu Ha (Altuism); Obra das Mães (Altuism);
Chan de Noronha Weng Kit (Sport); Chui Tac Kong (Sport); Jia Rui (Sport); Cai Liangchan (Sport); Distinguish Service Medal is given to outstanding individual and organisation for their fulfillment in duty. Medal of Distinguish Service: Group D, Investigation Department 2, Anti-Corruption Bureau of Commission Against Corruption (Bravery);
Lei Chi Leong Franky (Dedication); Kuok Chi Keong (Dedication);
Guo Huan Huan (Dedication);
Kuan Kun Fan (Dedication);
Public Service and Information Centre of Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (Dedication); Ng Soi On (Community Service); Ng Sao Keng (Community Service);
Leong Hin Tat (Community Service); Commendations of Prestige and of Merit are given to the individuals who have contributed in the development of MSAR. Commendation: Tang Zesheng (Prestige); Anthony Francis Fernandes (Prestige); Maria Antónia Nicolau Espadinha (Prestige);
Wong Hang Cheong (Merit); Xi Chengqing (Merit); Ieong Hou Un (Merit); Cheang Chi Wai (Merit); Macao Lion Dance Team in the Second Asian Indoor Games (Merit); The Macau Association for The Mentally Handicapped (Merit);
Flag Marching Band of Hou Kong Middle School (Merit). The presentation ceremony will be held in January 2008.
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According to the results of the Employment Survey released by the Statistics and Census Service, the unemployment rate for September-November 2007 dropped further to 2.9%, lower than the three percent level for the first time since November 1997-January 1998 (2.8%). The unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point over the previous period (August-October 2007) and by 0.7 percentage point over the same period of 2006. The underemployment rate was held stable at 1.2% as the previous period, but up by 0.3 percentage point year-on-year. Total labour force was estimated at 320,000, with the labour force participation rate remained unchanged at 70.3% as the previous period, but increased by 3.6 percentage points year-on-year. The employed population rose by 2,100 over the previous period to 311,000. By industry, the number of the employed in the Construction sector; Recreational, cultural, gaming & other services; and Hotels, restaurants & similar activities showed increases, while that in the Transport, storage & communications sector decreased. The unemployed population was estimated at 9,300, a decrease of 300 compared with the previous period. Among the unemployed, about 1,500 were searching for their first job, down by 3.7 percentage points over the preceding period to take up 15.6% of the total unemployed.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the number of visitor arrivals reached 2,458,120 in November 2007, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.1%. Visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong rose by 31.2% and 10.3% respectively, with those from Southeast Asia soared by 85.4%. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 52.1% of the total arrivals, at 1,280,484. The majority of the visitors came from Mainland China (57.1% of the total), Hong Kong (26.7%) and Southeast Asia (5.3%). Among the Mainland visitors, 45.6% travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme, at 640,143. In the first eleven months of 2007, visitor arrivals reached 24,384,547, up by 22.9% over the same period of last year. Visitors from Mainland China grew by 23.8% to 13,425,247; arrivals from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China went up by 19.5% and 0.1% respectively. Furthermore, same-day visitors made up 52.2% of the total arrivals, at 12,734,134. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea increased by 17.1% to 8,078,219 over the first eleven months of 2006. Among them, 7,640,094 arrived at the Outer Harbour, with 60.6% from Hong Kong and 23.8% from Mainland China. Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour totalled 437,871 and 51.4% were from Mainland China. At the same time, visitor arrivals by land grew by 26.8% to 14,978,411, with 14,578,008 entering through the Border Gate; visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong accounted for 74.3% and 18.7% respectively. Meanwhile, there were 392,005 visitors arriving through the Checkpoint of CoTai. In addition, arrivals by air totalled 1,327,917, an increase of 18.7% over the first eleven months of 2006. Among the 1,319,886 arrivals at the Macao International Airport, visitors from Taiwan, China (44.5%), Southeast Asia (22.9%) and Mainland China (21.9%) were the major users.
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Measures announced in the Policy Address to develop the economy and promote people's livelihood will be put in place, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said this morning at a reception to mark the eighth anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). “During the eight years since the Macao SAR's establishment, we have emphasised the importance of achieving consensus within our community and a scientific attitude towards its development,” said Mr Ho in his address. “This practical and phased approach has enabled us to grasp opportunities and surmount a number of challenges, thus laying the foundations for the progressive and sustainable development of Macao's society. “All these achievements are due to the Central People's Government's dedicated support and the continuous efforts of all our citizens. We have demonstrated the wisdom and vitality of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao”, and a “High degree of autonomy” in shaping our history and our future. “Throughout these eight years, Macao citizens have enthusiastically taken part in public affairs with a strong awareness of their rights and duties under the concept of “Macao people governing Macao”. The number of participants in these has constantly increased; the range of their participation has constantly expanded; and the degree of their participation has constantly risen. “Leading members in all sections of society have formed an important driving force behind this spirit of participation, and their involvement has brought forth many new insights. The strong momentum, enthusiasm and determination with which the community has supported “Macao people governing Macao” has been an outstanding feature of this period, and it has provided boundless inspiration and impetus for our administration. “In the future, the SAR Government will continue to implement the policies and programmes that it has already planned by means of high-quality, highly efficient and very effective measures, so that it can gradually fulfil its commitments concerning economic development and improvement in the people's livelihood, as well as its various other administrative objectives. “We hope to expedite certain programmes and achieve even better results if conditions allow. To realise this, we must enhance our interaction with the community, raise the level of transparency in our public administration, and communicate closely with the public and report on the progress and achievements of the Government's work. “This includes reporting on areas where we need to make adjustments, and answering the public's enquiries in order to enhance its confidence in the Government. If the public is kept fully informed, it will then be able to monitor and support the Government's public administration more effectively. “The SAR Government will continue to adhere strictly to the Basic Law, increase its competency, enhance its achievements in upholding the law, build on its administrative experience over the past eight years, and rely on the leadership and support of the central government. “The SAR Government will further promote the community's correct understanding and practical implementation of the Basic Law by setting a good example through its own actions to build an advanced society that is free of corruption and fair, and a special administrative region with a high degree of civilisation that is based on the rule of law. “We strongly believe that, given our incessant self-improvement during these past eight years and provided the Government and community continue to uphold the effective values and principles that we have adopted, the people of Macao will certainly be able to grasp present-day and future opportunities, and they will overcome present-day and future difficulties and challenges. “Through constant effort and self-improvement, we will surely be able to score ever-greater achievements and enjoy more and more of the fruits of development with every passing year,” he said. More than 1,000 guests attended the reception, including the Director of the Central Government Liaison Office in Macao, Mr Bai Zhijian; the Commissioner of the Macao SAR Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Mr Wan Yongxiang; Commander of the Chinese PLA Garrison Troops in the Macao SAR, Liu Lianhua; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Ms Susana Chou; the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Sam Hou Fai, as well as principal officials and community leaders. Earlier this morning, more than 300 guests and officials attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at Lotus Square presided over by the Chief Executive. There will be a firework display in the evening as a finale to events of the much-celebrated day, together with other activities to be held by a number of civic organisations to celebrate the anniversary.
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The Secretary for the Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, said today the Government would review the management and operation of the entire gaming industry within next year. Speaking to the media on the sideline of a public function, Mr Tam said the Government has been closely monitoring the working modes of different gaming operators. He said the evaluation would include effects brought to the society by the gaming industry, adding that the Government would make necessary adjustment based on the result. Regarding the economic growth, Mr Tam said it was acceptable that Macao had recorded an average annual economic growth of 12 per cent over the past eight years. He said a stable economic growth could be achieved in the future, by modifying the operation of the market. He reiterated that the Government is determined to relief effects on Macao citizens' livelihood brought on by rapid economic growth. Meanwhile, he predicted the gross domestic product of this year would record be double digit, possibly higher than the 17 per cent recorded in 2006.
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(Macao – 18 December 2007) The English-language edition of Macao Yearbook 2007, an annual publication published by the Government Information Bureau (GCS) of the Macao SAR, will hit the shelf on 19 December. Enriched by some 127 photographs, the 610-page Macao Yearbook 2007 is divided into five sections: Administrative Priorities of the MSAR Government; Calendar of Events; Review of the MSAR; Overview of the MSAR; and Appendices. Consisting of 16 chapters, the Overview of the MSAR presents information on the political and administrative system; legal and judicial system; external relations; economy; gaming industry; tourism; public order; education; culture and sport; health and social welfare; media, communications and information technology; land, infrastructure, housing and public utilities; transport; geography, environment and population; religion and customs; and history. Macao Yearbook 2007 retails at a price of 120 patacas/Hong Kong dollars per copy, and is available at the following places: major local bookstores; the Macao Post Office (Macao Post)’s Philatelic Division, Rua do Campo Branch, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Branch, Macau International Airport Branch, and Nova Taipa Branch; Government Printing Bureau and its outlet at the Public Administrative Building on Rua do Campo. During the promotion period lasting until 31 March 2008, a 20-percent discount will be offered to any purchase of Macao Yearbook 2007. Each copy of Macao Yearbook 2007 comes with a complimentary CD ROM containing the PDF version of the publication. The Chinese and Portuguese editions of the Macao Yearbook 2007 have been launched in November.
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The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has disqualified the agency involved in the Hebei tour group incident at Hac Sa Beach from operating Macau tours. Director of MGTO, Mr João Manuel Costa Antunes, said at a press conference today that the agency was found to have violated clauses of the ''Macau Tour'' management mechanism for receiving agents, resulting in the stripping of its Macau receiving agent license. To facilitate the management of tourism industry in Macao, MGTO would actively promote honest travel practices, crack down on zero-priced and negative-priced tours, modify related rules and regulations and increase inspections at major scenic spots and terminals, said the Deputy Director of MGTO, Mr Manuel Pires.
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Macao is at the crossroads with its image positioning and marketing in tourism. It is undeniable that gaming has become a leading economic pillar of Macao which is confirmed by current statistics, Macao people would still like the world to appreciate other aspects as a unique tourism destination, from Macao’s UNESCO World Heritage, international events, local cultural festivals, leisure and entertainment treats, to the culinary delights. Strategies in enhancing the image of Macao from a gaming destination to a multidimensional leisure and entertainment hub are desired. With this reason, having successfully organised jointly with the College of Consumer and Family Sciences, Purdue University, USA in 2005, IFT continues to organise, with a new co-organiser Peking University, the 2nd International Conference on “Destination Branding and Marketing”, 17-19 December, at the Grand Hall of Inspiration Building in IFT, with the theme “New Advances and Challenges for Practice”. This conference is an outcome of a long-standing partnership among the three organisers, and is expected to touch on some imminent issues that Macao is facing, and generate useful ideas that can be further explored, and applied in other destinations undergoing or wishing to undergo transformation. The opening ceremony of the conference was hosted by Dr. Fanny Vong, President of IFT and Dr. Dennis A. Savaiano, Dean of College of Consumer and Family Sciences, Purdue University. Delegates from Australia, Belgium, Mainland China, Denmark, India, Italy, South Korea, Mauritius, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, South Afraica, China Taiwan, Turkey, United States, Hong Kong and Macao; Participants from tourism and hospitality professionals, destination marketing practitioners, executives, researchers, academics, graduate students, convention and visitor's bureau executives, event planners and organisers, travel industry members, operators, and travel-related business owners and investors were invited to attend this conference. Aiming to create a forum and opportunity for the latest developments, trends, and research emerging in the area of destination branding and marketing, ideas are shared, discussed, and debated in the conference. Papers of both applied and conceptual orientation are presented on the following topics, along with other relevant concerns:
- Destination branding and marketing development
- Measuring destination branding and marketing effectiveness
- Destination product innovation
- Cooperation, collaboration and competition in destination branding and marketing
- Success or failure stories, best practices and case studies in destination branding and marketing
- Consumer travel behavior, visitor segmentation and psychology in destination branding and marketing
- Branding for special interest and niche tourism in the context of destination branding development (nature, heritage and culture, adventure, events, conventions and gaming)
- The economics of destination branding and marketing
- Joint or regional destination branding, promotion and marketing
- Tourism distribution and online branding and marketing
- Hospitality and hotel management in a destination branding context Speakers include:
- Bill Baker
President of Total Destination Marketing, USA
- Dr. Liping A. Cai
Director and Professor of Purdue Tourism and Hospitality Research Centre, USA
- Dr. Jonathon Day
President of Placemark Solutions, USA
- Jim Epperson
Executive Director of Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, USA
- Dr. William C. Gartner
Professor of Department of Applied Economics in University of Minnesota, USA
- Dr. Rich Harrill
Director of Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Centre, International Tourism Research Institute, in University of South Carolina, USA
- Dr. Steven Pike
Senior Lecturer in the School of Advertising, Marketing & PR at Queensland University of Technology, Australia
- Roger Pride
Director of Marketing of Wales Tourist Board, UK
- Dr. Bihu Wu
Professor and Director of the Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research, Department of Urban and Regional Planning in Peking University, China
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