HONG KONG (24 February 2005): Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Eng. João Manuel Costa Antunes and Deputy Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes led the MGTO delegation to welcome 140 representatives from Hong Kong travel trade and media partners at a Spring Luncheon held at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel today. Eng. Costa Antunes expresses his gratitude towards the support of the participants throughout the year. Last year, the tourism industry of Macau recorded a significant growth, with over 16.67 million visitor arrivals to Macau, an increase of 40% over 2003. Hong Kong remains the second largest source market for Macau. Hong Kong residents’ arrival at 5,051,100 represents 9.26% growth over year 2003. With the opportunities presented by the growing Mainland tourism market and the Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Cooperation, MGTO will continue to collaborate with the tourism authorities, travel trade and media entities of Guangdong and Hong Kong to promote tourism of the whole region. MGTO will make its best effort to develop Macau into a tourism and gaming, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and leisure hub, in accordance with Macau SAR’s development direction. Meanwhile, a series of new tourism and entertainment facilities are ready or on their way to welcome visitors. In addition, MGTO is promoting a series of important events in 2005. Macau has the pride to host the 54th PATA Annual Conference from 17-21 April and the 4th East Asian Games from 29 October- 6 November. For the 52nd Macau Grand Prix to be held from 17th to 20th November, Macau’s prestigious Guia Race has been confirmed as the final round of the inaugural Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) to be launched this year. The inclusion of the final round of the FIA WTCC in Macau Grand Prix’s race programme confirms Macau’s unique status on the international motorsport calendar. In terms of product development, MGTO will continue its efforts in enhancing the unique culture and heritage tourism of Macau. With the great support of the Central Government, Macau SAR has submitted application with 12 historical monuments for the World Heritage Listing of UNESCO. Outcome of the application is expected within this year. Besides, various tourism products such as health and beauty tours, sports and games tours and nature appreciation tours will be developed to promote Macau in some fresh perspectives, in order to attract different interest groups to Macau. While Macau is committed to providing visitors with quality service, MGTO is always prepared to seek collaborative efforts with the travel trade and the media to promote Macau tourism.
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