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Information from Statistics and Census Service indicates that number of visitor arrivals totalled 1,532,993 in March 2005, which represented a year-on-year increase of 17.3%. Visitors from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, China increased 4.5%, 32.4% and 33.0% respectively compared with March last year. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 53.2% of the total arrivals, at 815,921. The majority of visitors came from Mainland China (54.0% of the total), Hong Kong (31.7%) and Taiwan, China (8.4%). Among the visitors from Mainland China, 422,359 (51.1%) travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. In the first quarter of 2005, visitor arrivals totalled 4,457,022, up 18.8% over the same period of last year. Visitors from Mainland China increased 13.5% to 2,485,015, which accounted for 55.8% of the total; Hong Kong and Taiwan, China shared 30.5% and 8.0% of the total respectively. Furthermore, same-day visitors made up 52.7% of the total, at 2,347,930. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea went up 10.0% year on year to 1,593,151 in the first quarter of 2005, with 1,549,439 arriving at the Outer Harbour (+9.6%); the majority of these visitors were from Hong Kong (60.2%) and Mainland China (29.0%). Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour rose 28.5% to 43,712, of which 70.0% were from Mainland China. Meanwhile, arrivals by land increased 22.9% year on year to 2,619,761, with 2,419,482 arriving through the Border Gate. The majority of these visitors came from Mainland China (76.9%) and Hong Kong (16.6%). Visitors arriving through the Checkpoint of CoTai were 200,279. In addition, arrivals by air were 244,110, up 42.9% compared with the same period of last year, with 241,445 arriving at the Macao International Airport (+44.2%). Visitors from Taiwan, China (69.5%) and Mainland China (15.8%) were the major users of this access.
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The 54th Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference ended today with a closing address by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and Chairman of the Macao Host Committee, Mr Chui Sai On. Mr Chui said the support of the Central Government and the Pacific Asia Travel Association was the key to the success of the conference. “The invaluable thoughts and experience exchanged during the conference will no doubt create profound impact to the sustainable development of the tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region,” Mr Chui said. “With the gaming and tourism industry as the driving force, Macao has entered into a new era of development. Some of the major entertainment facilities will be completed in a few years. By then, Macao will have a brand new face.“ The outgoing Chairman, Mr Ram Kohli, and the incoming 2005/2006 PATA Chairman, Mr Nabutaka Ishikure, also spoke at the closing ceremony, which also featured a performance that highlighted the future of Macao. The Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ms Juthamas Siriwan, invited the delegates to PAC2006, to be held in Pattaya, Thailand next year.
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 20, 2005 – The 54th PATA Annual Conference closed today with speaker Mr Vincent Lo drawing from his own experiences to describe how to “build success”. Mr Lo is Chairman of Shui On Holdings, a group engaged in property, construction and construction materials and which has successfully created value for destinations through leisure and lifestyle property developments. Mr Lo asserted that tourism and property development are parallel industries. “Tourism and property development can go hand-in-hand,” he said. “Success in both is based on some common fundamentals: people, environment, culture, architecture, facilities and supporting services.” The closing session of the Conference also saw a reshuffle among PATA’s Officers. Japan Airlines Executive Officer Mr Nobutaka Ishikure is PATA’s new Chairman for 2005/2006, replacing outgoing Chairman Mr Ram Kohli. Every year the chairmanship of PATA rotates among the Association’s three major of categories of membership: Carrier, Government/Destination and Industry. PATA Chairman-elect during 2005/2006, representing the Government/Destination category of PATA membership, is Tourism Australia Director-International Marketing Mr Richard Beere. Hospitality Link-up Director and PATA Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Mr David Paulon takes the office of PATA Secretary/Treasurer, replacing Accor Greater China CEO Mr Brian Deeson who held that office for two terms. Mr Paulon delivered the 2004/2005 PATA Foundation Address, during which he provided background to the Tsunami Recovery Fund and described projects to which money has been pledged. During the course of three days of the Conference, delegates heard that while forecasts for the next three years were positive – PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre predicts average growth of 10.6% per year in international arrivals to Asia Pacific – there were several pressing challenges facing travel and tourism. Threats and challenges identified by PATA’s ongoing Total Tourism Survey included bird flu, terrorism, environmental degradation and the ability of tourism infrastructure to handle one of the world’s fastest growing industries. An interesting preliminary finding of the survey is that bird flu is perceived by tourism professionals as a greater potential threat than SARS. Respondents were also worried about future terrorist activity, with the majority saying that governments should pay for security. To pre-empt and be prepared for most of these challenges, delegates learned that it was essential for tourism stakeholders to develop credible and targeted communications strategies. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and CEO Mr Giovanni Bisignani, during his keynote address, identified cost-reduction and simplification as keys to a sustainable and profitable future. He singled out monopolistic airport pricing and government tax policy as key fronts in the battle for airlines to remain profitable. He also called on IATA and PATA to join forces and bring other industry stakeholders together. Panellists on the well-attended “Windows on China” session agreed that the China (PRC) and Japanese governments needed to initiate reconciliation in the wake of anti-Japanese demonstrations in China (PRC). The 55th PATA Annual Conference will take place in Pattaya, Thailand in 2006. ABOUT PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of 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 dozens of PATA chapters worldwide. PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Asia Pacific travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA is a not-for-profit organisation. Find out more about PATA at www.PATA.org.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that in the academic year 2003/2004, there were 143 schools or institutions providing regular education, including 12 institutions of higher education that were recognized by the Government of Macao SAR and 131 schools that offered pre-primary, primary and secondary education (including vocational-technical secondary education). Among those providing pre-primary, primary and secondary education, 111 were private schools and 88 of them have joined the universal basic education network. Besides, there were 15 schools providing special education, with regard to adult education, Education Survey for this academic year has collected information from 129 establishments of adult education. Number of teachers engaged in regular education grew 2.3% over the previous academic year to 5 445. Among them, 4 341 were in pre-primary, primary and secondary education, while 1 104 were in higher education. Number of teachers engaged in special and adult education was 116 and 2 299, which corresponded to an increase of 9.4% and 27.9% respectively compared with the previous academic year. At the end of the academic year 2003/2004, there were 110 494 students attending regular education, up slightly by 0.2% over the previous academic year. Among them, 96 814 were in pre-primary, primary and secondary education and 13 680 in higher education. At the same time, number of students in special education was 568, a decrease of 3.2% over the academic year 2002/2003, while students enrolled in adult education totalled 96 131, up 11.0% over the previous academic year. The teacher / student ratio was 1 to 22.3 in pre-primary, primary and secondary education, 1 to 12.4 in higher education, 1 to 4.9 and 1 to 41.8 in special and adult education respectively. In addition, average class size in pre-primary, primary and secondary education was 39.0 and the class promotion rate was 89.8%.
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 19, 2005 – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)’s Strategic Intelligence Centre outlined the many potential threats facing the travel and tourism industry in Asia Pacific during a session of the 54th PATA Annual Conference, April 19.
Issues such as bird flu, terrorism, environmental degradation and the ability of infrastructure to handle one of the world’s fastest growing industries were only some of the issues identified in PATA’s Total Tourism Survey. More than 250 respondents to the ongoing survey identified bird flu as a greater potential threat than SARS. Respondents were worried about future terrorist activity, with the majority saying that governments should pay for security.
The survey investigates all the modern issues directly or indirectly facing the travel industry, among them: peace negotiations, terrorism, European Union expansion, a common Asian currency, bird flu, global warming, ageing populations, tourism as cultural protector or destroyer, the mass media's coverage of crises, the impact of travel advisories, distribution technology, aviation, human resource challenges, domestic and regional tourism growth and whether the industry is ready to handle a large volume of traffic from India and China (PRC).
PATA will announce the full results of the survey later this year.
Travel industry workers can fill out the survey by visiting www.PATA.org/ttsurvey.
Until April 21, journalists interested in the PATA Total Tourism Survey initial results can call (853) 6131037, or e-mail: communications@PATA.org.
ABOUT PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of 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 dozens of PATA chapters worldwide.
PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Asia Pacific travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA is a not-for-profit organisation.
Find out more about PATA at www.PATA.org.
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 19, 2005 – Panellists on the 54th PATA Annual Conference session “Windows on China”, April 19, including China National Tourism Administration Vice-Chairman Mr Gu Zhaoxi, agreed that the China (PRC) and Japan governments needed to initiate reconciliation between the two countries, in the wake of anti-Japanese demonstrations in China (PRC). Despite panellists’ assurances that Japanese individuals were safe in China (PRC), Japanese travellers have been cancelling their trips out of fear for their safety. China International Travel Service Executive Vice President Mr Yao Yeucan said tourism was an important tool for resolving this issue. Mr Yao cited statistics showing the tremendous growth in Chinese tourism. In 2004, Chinese tourism revenue was US$82 billion, an increase of 40.1% over 2003. From 1996 to 2004, annual average tourism revenue growth was 12.5%, more than 1.5 times faster than growth in the Chinese economy as a whole. Mr Yao said China (PRC) was also the world’s biggest emerging market for outbound tourism and is now the largest tourism-generating country in Asia. “By 2020, China will be the number one tourism-generating country in the world,” he said. Average spend for outbound Chinese travellers in Europe is US$175 per person per day, which is three times more than what Japanese travellers spend in Australia, according to Mr Yao. He identified two potential niche markets for China (PRC) outbound: student travel and cruising. MK Corporation Chairman Mr Peter Wong noted that on top of the enormous opportunities for both inbound and outbound tourism, there were 840 million domestic trips taken in 2004. However, he said the Chinese government needed to allow more input from travel agents, hotels, industry partners and other tourism stakeholders, as most tourism-related establishments are government owned. The potential for destination development would be better realised in partnership with private stakeholders, he said. Accor Greater China Senior Vice President Mr Brian Deeson said there was big growth potential in the 5-star and 3-star accommodation markets within China (PRC) as well as an important emerging market for Chinese outbound travellers. Five years ago, Accor concentrated on the Japanese market. Now its focus is the Chinese market. And to cater to Chinese outbound travellers, hoteliers have to offer the right products and services, such as Chinese breakfasts. The session was moderated by CNN Talk Asia’s Ms Lorraine Hahn. ABOUT PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognised authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of 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 dozens of PATA chapters worldwide. PATA's mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Asia Pacific travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA is a not-for-profit organisation. Find out more about PATA at www.PATA.org.
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Panel: Moderator: Lorraine Hahn – CNN ‘s Talk Asia
Brian Deeson – Accor Hotels & Resorts
Mr Gu Zhaoxi – Vice-Chairman CNTA
Mr Yao Yeucan – Executive VP – China Int Travel service – Head Office
Mr Peter Wong – BBS JP – Chairman MK Corporation Ltdx Initial address by Mr Yao giving background and statistics on tremendous growth in China tourism in domestic, inbound and outbound areas and how this affects infrastructure, development and investment. 2004 – China tourism revenue US$82 billion – up 40.1% 1996 – 2004 – total tourism revenue growth on average at 12.5% - more than 1.5 times China’s GDP. TTG Asia voted China as the best tourism destination at beginning of this year. China is the biggest emerging market for outbound tourism in the world and now largest tourist generating country in Asia. By 2020 – China will be the number one tourism generating country. Peter Wong: China is experiencing double digit growth annually – averaging at 15%. Domestic travel was 840 million in 2004. Enormous opportunities for both inbound and outbound tourism . Rapid change in internal infrastructure improvements and enhancements. China Governments needs to allow more input from travel agents, hotels, and industry partners and tourism stakeholder enterprises. Most establishments are government owned. Lots of potential for destination development from hotels and other tourism partners. Mr Yao:
2003 – over 5000 hotels in China – 266 airline routes. Unique attractions and monuments – eg Great Wall, Terracotta warriors etc. Average spend for outbound Chinese travelers in Europe is US$175 per perdon per day – they are spending three times more than the Japanese in Australia. Also seeing new developments in society as Chinese are now sending their children overseas for education. Visa continues to be a barrier for Chinese to travel. Development of the cruise industry for outbound travelers as Chinese was to discover new tourism experiences. Brian Deeson:
So much opportunity in China market for inbound, outbound and domestic – very exciting market. Big growth in the 5 star market and also the 3 star market to cater for the domestic traveler. Big growth in outbound marketing – careering to the Chinese market overseas for their needs – ie Chinese breakfast. Five years ago they concentrated on the Japanese market – now this is eclipsed by the Chinese market. Lorraine Hahn – question re the recent anti Japanese protests. It was agreed by the panel that resolution is needed at Japanese leadership level to be resolve this issue to a void long term affect on the economy and that this has to be separated from the public as it is not their issue and that Japanese tourists are very welcome in China and not at risk. Mr Yao also added that tourism is a way to make friends and clear misunderstandings and is an important tool for resolving this issue.
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In order to strengthen local capacity in responding to influenza vaccine and influenza pandemic, the Department of Health has established an influenza virological surveillance system in 2004. This system has currently joined the global influenza surveillance network set up by World Health Organization (WHO) and also established a collaboration relationship with the WHO Collaborating Center For Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia. The influenza virus isolated and preliminarily verified by the Virology Department of Public Health Laboratory of the Department of Health will be sent to that center for further verification. Macao influenza virus surveillance result indicates that among the influenza virus isolates found in the winter of 2004-2005, a majority of them are H1N1 New Caledonia subtype viruses which were not found in the same period of 2003-2004; this may be the underlying reason for the severe influenza situation in this winter; and the detected H3N2 virus is of California subtype. Since every influenza epidemic is caused by different virus, WHO has to formulate the composition of the influenza vaccine annually with reference to the global influenza situation of the previous year. In Macao, the annual peak period of influenza is from January to March. The Department of Health usually purchases the latest influenza vaccine in the second half of the year, which will then be used for public vaccination between September to December. For those who need such vaccination should have it during this period and should repeat the vaccination annually to ensure effective prevention. In response to the recent enquiries about vaccination for influenza pandemic, the Department of Health would like to clarify that influenza pandemic is different from the influenza happened throughout the year. An influenza pandemic occurs with the appearance of a new influenza virus that can cause highly effective human-to-human transmission. As the virus that can cause an influenza pandemic cannot be predicted, effective vaccine cannot be produced and stored before the pandemic takes place. The Department of Health urges the public to take the following precautionary measures to keep good health: Preventive measures on Influenza Observe good personal hygiene, wash hands frequently to keep both hands clean, especially when hands are contaminated by secretions from mouth and nose;
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, handle secretions from mouth and nose properly;
Avoid going to overcrowded and badly ventilated places;
Maintain a balanced diet, drink sufficient water, exercise regularly and have adequate rest, avoid over-working and smoking, so as to increase resistance against diseases;
When having fever and respiratory symptoms, in particular for children, elderly people and patients with chronic diseases, should put on a mask and seek medical treatment immediately.
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 18, 2005 – International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and CEO Mr Giovanni Bisignani, in his keynote address at the 54th PATA Annual Conference, told delegates that air transport has to become a “low cost industry”. Citing continued rising oil prices and increased consumer demand for inexpensive travel options, Mr Bisignani predicted US$5.5 billion worth of losses for the airline industry in 2005. “It has never been cheaper to travel. And it has never been as safe,” said the IATA chief, noting that 2004 was the safest year ever for aviation. “More people than ever are flying … but we have never lost as much money.” According to IATA, the global airline industry has lost US$36 billion between 2001 and 2004. Mr Bisignani outlined IATA’s agenda for change within the airline industry: “[Change] begins at home with airlines simplifying their businesses to deliver value without the costs of complexity. Then we ask our airport partners to be dedicated to cost efficiency and to preserve fair competition. On monopolistic tactics employed by some airports, Mr Bisignani said: “We can’t support a part of the value chain that has a license to print money. The cost of inefficient infrastructure gets passed through the value chain to our common customer.” Mr Bisignani said that governments must “re-think the way that they tax the industry and give us the freedom to run our businesses as businesses”. On European proposals to add a tax to air travel to pay for developing nation debt, Mr Bisignani said: “This is a serious problem. Making travel more expensive will do more harm than good in the developing world.” In the spirit of the 54th PATA Annual Conference theme ‘Connecting Tourism’s Stakeholders’, the IATA boss said that industry stakeholders must learn to cooperate and communicate better. Mr Bisignani challenged IATA and PATA to join forces and bring other industry stakeholders together. “Our industry needs to change fast,” he said. “So let’s get started.”
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MACAU SAR, CHINA (PRC), April 18, 2005 – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)'s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) released ‘Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2005-2007’ today at the 54th PATA Annual Conference in Macau. This new series of forecasts for 40 countries across the Asia Pacific region predicts overall growth in international visitor arrivals of 10.6% per year to 2007. Every destination covered in the PATA region is predicted to post positive annual growth to 2007, ranging from 4.0% (Pakistan) to 20.9% (Malaysia). A summary of ‘Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2005-2007’ is available for download at www.PATA.org/forecasts05. There are numerous factors influencing the forecasts: the recovery following the tsunami, the emergence of low-cost airlines, the rapidly rising middle-classes across Asia, and significant advances in avionics leading to new generation aircraft that will change how we move around the world. “Combined, these factors look set to dramatically increase intra-regional travel flows,” said PATA Director-SIC Mr John Koldowski. “Whatever the changes we expect -- and those we don't -- the travel industry needs an anchor, a meticulously researched set of predictions on which to plan future strategies.” ‘Asia Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2005-2007’, produced by the eminent scholars Professor Lindsay Turner and Professor Stephen Witt, provide that anchor in an increasingly turbulent world. “You will find these forecasts an indispensable reference as you chart your own course to the year 2007 and beyond,” said PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong. Purchasers of last year's book, ‘Pacific Asia Tourism Forecasts 2004-2006’, are entitled to a 30% discount. Contact publications@PATA.org.
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