Step Into Macau @ CHIJMES

Today, Macau is more than just a destination for gaming and entertainment. In the last two years or so, Macau has transformed into a much sought after holiday destination with a wider appeal. Macau now attracts young couples, families and even the business tourism market. Macau is about unique culture; it’s about colourful festivals and events; about heritage; about food; and good, fun as well as the traditional appeal of gaming. Underlining this change in appeal, Macau was added to UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List in 2005. Twenty-five of Macau’s landmarks form The Historic Centre of Macau and give the destination a world class level of appeal. The unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese architecture makes it like no other city in Asia. Last year, some 82,300 visitors from Singapore enjoyed the delights of this Special Administration Region of China – representing a growth of about 80 percent over the number in 2004 and one of its fastest growing markets. International visitors that year climbed 12 percent to a record of 18.7 million. In order to share this message with all in Singapore and to attract an even higher visitorship, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) in Singapore is organizing a ‘Step into Macau’ event at CHIJMES from 28 to 30th April 2006 between 11.00 am and 6.00 pm daily. The Macau fair promises a whole range of exciting events ranging from cultural performances and sampling of Macanese snacks to fun activities for the children like face painting, art competitions and even a mini-motorcar ‘Grand Prix’. Appearances by local radio celebrities over the three-day event will add a glam factor. Some 25 air-tickets on Tiger Airways will be given away to visitors at special lucky draws held at the fair – this amounts to practically one ticket being given away every hour! More attractive and uniquely Macanese prizes await visitors in the spin and win contest and by guessing the number of cookie boxes stuffed into a specially decorated ‘Macau Taxi’. The fair will also showcase some of the attractions of Macau like the Macau Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf and some soon to open Integrated Resorts like the Wynn Resort and Galaxy Starworld. And for those that are convinced on making Macau their next holiday destination, a select group of travel agents will be on hand to take travel bookings at a special, not-to-be missed, price! MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes said, “this is one of the biggest ever consumer promotions to be held by us in Singapore. It is a reflection of our optimism in further growth of visitorship from this market. We also want to share the message that Macau is fast becoming an attractive, world-class destination which is just a short flight away from Singapore and a perfect, quick holiday getaway”. He added that, “this is also a special time to visit as the Macau Government Tourist Office has designated 2006 as Macau World Heritage Year”.