News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the number of visitor arrivals in package tours reached 311,161 in September 2007, up notably by 69.4% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China (191,123), Hong Kong (37,844) and Taiwan, China (27,813) recorded remarkable growth of 36.3%, 338.2% and 223.8% respectively compared with September 2006. In the first nine months of 2007, visitors arrived in package tours rose by 41.9% over the same period of 2006 to 2,975,551. In September, the number of Macao residents travelling in package tours decreased by 7.0% year-on-year to 13,294. Mainland China, Thailand and Japan were the three most popular tour itineraries, which accounted for 69.5%, 10.2% and 7.3% of the total respectively. In the first nine months of 2007, Macao residents travelling in package tours dropped by 22.2% over the same period of 2006 to 158,633. Meanwhile, 54,162 residents travelled under individual arrangements using services provided by travel agencies, which jumped by 100.1% over September 2006. Hong Kong (69.3%), Mainland China (12.8%) and Taiwan, China (8.4%) were the major destinations. In the first nine months of 2007, Macao residents travelled under such arrangements increased by 10.5% compared with the same period of 2006 to 304,187. At the end of September 2007, the total number of guest rooms available in the hotel sector increased by 3,308 (+26.7%) from a year ago to 15,719 rooms. In September 2007, a total of 522,538 guests checked into hotels and similar establishments, representing a year-on-year growth of 43.1%. The average hotel occupancy rate rose by 4.3 percentage points to 71.6%, with 4-star hotels leading at 80.4%. The average length of stay of hotel guests increased by 0.19 night to 1.37 nights. The majority of the guests came from Mainland China (39.9%) and Hong Kong (37.1%). Number of hotel guests totalled 4,215,818 in the first nine months of 2007, up by 26.1% over the same period of 2006. In the first nine months of 2007, hotel guests (excluding Macao residents) accounted for 42.9% of the total number of tourists, up from 41.1% in the same period of 2006.
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The Chinese-language and Portuguese-language editions of Macao Yearbook 2007, an annual publication compiled and edited by the Government Information Bureau (GCS) of the Macao SAR, will hit the shelf on 12 November 2007. The Macao Yearbook outlines major events, progress and changes made in the course of Macao’s political, economic, social and cultural development on a yearly and systematic basis. It provides detailed and up-to-date information for all who wish to study and understand the territory. The Macao Yearbook has been published since 2002, and it is available in three languages, namely Chinese, Portuguese and English. Comprising 127 photographs, the 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. Meanwhile in order to trace Macao’s changes in a visual manner, the GCS co-organised a photographic competition entitled “New Faces of Macao” with eight local photography organisations and four media groups in early 2007. The Macao Yearbook 2007 has been enriched by 20 winning entries from the competition. The 546-page Chinese and 670-page Portuguese editions of the Macao Yearbook 2007 can be purchased with complimentary DVD-ROM, at the following places at 120 patacas or 120 Hong Kong dollars per copy: 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. The English edition of the Macao Yearbook 2007 is in the process of printing and binding, and will be available for sale in due course. During the promotion period lasting until 31 March 2008, a 20-percent discount will be offered to any purchase of Macao Yearbook 2007.
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To further promote bilateral co-operation between Macao and Germany, and foster closer exchange among the convention and exhibition sectors of both sides, “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007”, organised by The Koelnmesse Group, the leading convention and exhibition entity of Germany, and supported by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), will be held from 7th to 9th November at The Cotai StripTM Convention and Exhibition Center at The Venetian® Macao. “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” aims to develop procurement channels with the provision of the latest market information and a platform for exchange and communication for the industries concerned in Macao and Germany, and assist the business sector of Macao to develop new business opportunities and in search of business partners. A total of 142 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions are participating in the event. The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute has organised a delegation of about 130 local enterpreneurs for participating in the inauguration and other related activities, and is assisting the entrepreneurs in carrying out business negotiations and matchings throughout the event. Members of the delegation participating in the event include representatives from Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Importers and Exporters Association, German Macau Business Association and numerous other related associations. “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” marks the momentous achievement of the further co-operation between Macao and Germany in the convention and exhibition industries. Since the Chief Executive of the Macao S.A.R. Mr. Ho Hau Wah and the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr. Francis Tam, led a delegation, which comprised of 36 local businessmen, to visit Germany in September 2004, Macao and Germany have seen closer trade and economic co-operation. Then, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute organised a delegation of the convention and exhibition sectors of Macao to Germany in July 2006, where they visited many leading convention and exhibition entities including The Koelnmesse Group, to enhance the exchange and co-operation among the convention and exhibtion sectors of Germany and Macao. Meanwhile the IPIM has been making significant efforts in the promotion and support of its role as a service platform among the convention and exhibition sectors of Macao and Germany. The IPIM and The Koelnmesse Group have established partnership in respect of “The Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF)” and “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007”. In particular, “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” had already set up their promotional booth at the “Convention and Exhibition Pavilion” of the 12th MIF. “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” is the first exhibition event held by The Koelnmesse Group in Macao. According to the organiser, the exhibitors comprise about 150 hotels and catering service companies from Asia, projected to attract few thousands of trade visitors from the preium food and hospitality sectors.
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The Government is considering introducing a general examination for croupiers, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. Mr Ho disclosed this when he visited the Lucky Gaming Training Centre, a government-subsidised school for casino workers, and said that this was a relatively good time to introduce a general examination for dealers. He said the Government had conducted thorough studies on this issue and would continue to collect opinion from concerned parties. The qualification examination would not only cover techniques, but also ethics, attitude and mentality, said the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, who also took part in the visit. Those who have passed the examination will be issued a certificate as recognition of their qualification, which will become a basic requirement for them to work in casinos in the future. Speaking on training of casino workers, Mr Ho said the industry is still hungry for labour and the Macao Polytechnic Institute, the Institute for Tourism Studies and the Lucky Gaming Training Centre would continue to provide trained croupiers. Mr Ho also called on casino workers, especially croupiers - positions that are open only to Macao citizens - to raise their standard and not to pick up bad habits.
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Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah is to deliver his Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2008 on Tuesday 13 November. The session, to be held at the Legislative Assembly at 3 pm, will be followed by a press conference at Government Headquarters at 5 pm. These will be broadcast live on the Portal Website of the Macao SAR (http://www.gov.mo) and the website of the Legislative Assembly (http://www.al.gov.mo). Chinese and Portuguese versions of the Policy Address will be available on these websites. On 14 November (Wednesday), Mr Ho will attend a plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly to answer questions raised by the legislators. Teledifusão de Macao will also carry live broadcasts of the Policy Address, the press conference and the plenary meeting. From 19 November (Monday) to 3 December (Monday), the five policy secretaries will attend plenary meetings of the Legislative Assembly to introduce their policies and answer legislators’ questions. These sessions will be brocasted live on the Portal Website of the Macao SAR and Teledifusão de Macao.
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The MORS Gold Pin Competition final round contests and the Award Presentation Ceremony are held today in the Venetian Macao Exhibition Hall by the Institute For Tourism Studies (IFT). The Ceremony was hosted by Dr. Fanny Vong, President of IFT, with Ms. Noémia Lameiras, Deputy Director of Labour Affairs Bureau; Mr. Lei Pou Loi, President of Macao Hotelier Association and Mr. Johnson Chan, President of Macao Hotels Association as Award presenting guests. The competitions of the occupation this year include: “Assistant Cook (Western Kitchen)”, “Bartender”, “Waiter / Waitress (Chinese Restaurant Service)” and “Waiter / Waitress (Western Restaurant Service)”. They adapts a process of elimination, with 3 rounds of contests for each competition. The first 2 rounds of contests were held between 8 – 23 Oct, in forms of written examination and skill evaluation according to the fundamental knowledge covered in the MORS training manuals. Participants without MORS certificate will need to go through the first round. In order to be admitted to the second round, the contestants must reach a minimum score of 75%, and compete with those who possess the certificate. Five contestants with the highest scores in the second round from each competition will be invited to join the final and given the certificates. In the four final round contests held today, 20 contestants will aim at the 2 winning positions in each competition. Juries formed by 12 respectful persons from the industry will observe closely and justify the contestants for the final winners, who will receive a MORS Gold Pin, MOP6,000.00 cash award and a scholarship of MOP2,000.00 for PACES training courses. MORS is a joint effort of the Tourism Industry of Macao and IFT with the main objective to upgrade human resources in the Macao tourism industry through the introduction of a certification scheme for a number of professions. It was launched in 2001 with the support of the European Union. At this moment, skills standards are introduced for the following occupations: - Assistant Cook (Western Kitchen)
- Bartender
- Concierge and Bell Attendant
- Cook in Chinese Cuisine (Elementary)
- Cook in Chinese Cuisine (Intermediate)
- Cook in Chinese Dim Sum (Elementary)
- Cook in Chinese Dim Sum (Intermediate)
- Customer Relations Officer
- Front Desk Agent
- Room Attendant
- Security Officer for Tourism and Gaming Industry
- Travel Consultant
- Waiter / Waitress (Chinese Restaurant Service) - Waiter / Waitress (Western Restaurant Service) To reward and demonstrate outstanding MORS recognised professionals, IFT has been organsing the Gold Pin Competition since 2002. Precipitants can be Entry-level Professionals sent by each training centre or they can be entering individually. There are 15 organisations, 80 participants taking part in the competitions this year. Gold Pin Competition final round contests examine contestants on their practical skills and details are as follows: Assistant Cook (Western Kitchen) Gold Pin Competition
Contestants have to bring in their own ingredients to create a menu consisting of a starter, a main course and a dessert; the time frame for preparations will be two hours. Juries will assess them on technical skills, creativity, organisational skills, hygiene, taste, presentation and consistency. Bartender Gold Pin Competition
Contestants have to choose at least one ingredient from the provided list andbring in their rest own ingredients and glassware for creating a cocktail of two portions. Juries will assess them on technical skills, creativity, presentation, flavour and consistency of the drink. Waiter / Waitress (Chinese Restaurant Service)
Contestants will need to divide a special food dish on trolley, and then serve to 3 guests; assessment will be based on their technical skills, speed and service quality. Waiter / Waitress (Western Restaurant Service)
Contestants will need to open, decant and serve a bottle of wine; assessment will be based on their technical skills, speed and service quality. IFT is a public institution of higher education that offers tourism, hospitality, heritage and events management degree programmes, as well as professional training courses. The main objective of MORS is to upgrade human resources in the Macao tourism industry through the introduction of a certification scheme for a number of professions, to the general public, so as to benefit Macao in a more competitive future.
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With joint efforts by the government and private sector, the creative industry would become an integral part of Macao's diversifying economy, Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah said today. Mr Ho made the above remarks when he exchanged views with a group of representatives from art and cultural circles during a visit to Sao Lazaro area, tipped to be the future hub for Macao's creative industry. After thorough studies, the Government believed that cultural and creative industries are in better positions to blossom compared with other industries, Mr Ho said. The Government would provide incentives to nurture the industry, but the business would never be able to prosper and sustain itself without input by the private sector, he said. Mr Ho said foreign professionals and experts would be introduced to Macao to help develop the industry, which he believed would finally take root in Macao.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that a total of 875 new companies were incorporated in the third quarter of 2007, with the total registered capital amounting to MOP175 million, up by 10.2% and 40.0% respectively compared with the same quarter of 2006. The majority of the new companies were operating in Wholesale and Retail (262), following by Business Services (181), Construction (153) and Real Estate (83). Among the new companies, 614 were incorporated with the value of capital at MOP50,000 or less, accounting for 70.2% of the total, whereas the respective capital made up merely 10.0% (MOP18 million) of the total registered capital. Meanwhile, there were 5 new companies incorporated with the value of capital at above MOP1,000,000, with the total registered capital amounting to MOP109 million (62.3% of the total). In addition, 746 of the new incorporations were limited companies. Based on the place of residence of the shareholders, the capital of the new companies incorporated in the third quarter of 2007 came mostly from Macao (MOP58 million); followed by Singapore (MOP26 million) and Portugal (MOP21 million). Moreover, Guangdong Province (MOP4 million) topped the list of the capital coming from the Pan-Pearl River Delta provinces. Among the new companies incorporated, 697 were established by shareholders from a single country/region, the majority of which (440) were established solely by Macao shareholders and 155 were established solely by shareholders from Hong Kong. The number of the new companies incorporated jointly by shareholders from Macao and other countries/regions totalled 144, of which 70 were joint ventures between Macao and Hong Kong and 49 were between Macao and Mainland China. Futhermore, 34 new companies were incorporated jointly by shareholders solely from other countries/regions. On the other hand, the number of dissolutions of companies totalled 77 in the third quarter of 2007, involving MOP9 million in registered capital, and the majority (22) were operating in Wholesale and Retail.
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A new committee to boost innovative ideas for public administration reform has been set up. The Official Gazette published an order today by the Chief Executive today, to set up a committee responsible for drafting action plans and collecting public opinion on public administration reform. Chaired by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, the committee's main function is to formulate policies for reform and modernisation of public administration. Members include the Chiefs-of-Office of the Chief Executive and the five policy secretaries, plus representatives of five departments.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the number of operating establishments in the Transport, storage & communications sector totalled 1,922 in 2006, an increase of 125 compared with 2005; at the end of 2006, total number of persons engaged rose by 7% to 11,984. Total receipts (MOP 12.99 billion) and total expenditure (MOP 11.22 billion) grew by 15% each over 2005. Gross value added, a measure of the sector’s contribution to the economy, rose by 11% to MOP 3.84 billion. In 2006, there were 1,866 establishments operating in the Transport and storage industry, up by 126 establishments over 2005; number of persons engaged increased by 7% over 2005 to 10,098. A total of 1,474 establishments were engaged in land transport and 388 were in supporting and auxiliary transport, including 145 travel agencies. Total receipts of the industry recorded an increase of 15% over 2005 to MOP 9.91 billion, of which receipts from passenger and cargo transport amounted to MOP 6.56 billion, sharing 66% of the total. Total expenditure was MOP 9.01 billion, up by 16% over 2005, of which operating expenses accounted for 62% of the total, at MOP 5.60 billion, and purchase of goods and commission paid totalled MOP 2.04 billion. Gross value added rose by 10% over 2005 to MOP 2.26 billion. In the Communications sector, a total of 36 establishments were operating in 2006, a decrease of 1 establishment over 2005, with 1,886 persons engaged (+3%). Total receipts of the Communications industry amounted to MOP 3.08 billion, up by 15% compared with 2005, of which receipts from the provision of communications services and sales of goods reached MOP 2.59 billion, accounting for 84% of the total. Total expenditure grew by 13% over 2005 to MOP 2.21 billion, of which purchase of goods and commission paid amounted to MOP 900 million and operating expenses totalled MOP 570 million. Gross value added was MOP 1.58 billion, an increase of 13% over 2005.
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