Macau celebrates “World Tourism Day”

To celebrate “World Tourism Day” today (September 27), Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organized an exciting tray race and World Tourism Day banquet. Director of MGTO, João Manuel Costa Antunes, Deputy Directors Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Manuel Gonçalves Pires Júnior presented welcome gifts to a lucky tourist from Germany at the Macau Ferry Terminal. Stefan Walburg, who visited Macau two years ago, returned with his girl friend this time for the unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture. “I love Asian culture. Macau has its distinctive cultural ambience that impressed me. I am very happy to be the lucky tourist of the World Tourism Day and this is a good start for my journey in Macau!” he said. Souvenirs were also distributed to visitors at the information counters of MGTO. The traditional tray race was held in the afternoon, where waiters and waitresses run down the stoned-path from the Ruins of St Paul’s to Senado Square carrying a tray with a bottle of beer on it. 112 participants from 22 hotels and restaurants in Macau took part in the race. Crowds of visitors and local people were attracted and they cheered for the participants. The winner of the men’s division was Chen Chun Zheng from Jai Alai Chinese Restaurant – Vui Lek Hin and the winner of the women’s division was Wu Yan from Sands. The Best Costume Awards went to Eric Rico Tambalque of Sands and Wang Yuan of Holiday Inn. In the evening, MGTO held a dinner banquet, attended by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr Chui Sai On, to celebrate “World Tourism Day”. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in the third session of its General Assembly in Spain (September 1979), has decided to commemorate September 27 as “World Tourism Day” each year. This is the 27th year since the celebrations commenced in 1980. The main purpose of “World Tourism Day” is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values. Each year, World Tourism Organization selects a different theme for “World Tourism Day”. This year’s theme is “Tourism Enriches”. The host country for “World Tourism Day” this year is Portugal, and official celebrations were held on September 27, 2006. Many other countries and regions also carried out activities to celebrate the day.