As a new year comes around and everything looks fresh and cheerful, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) wishes all citizens and visitors good health and prosperity, and that the tourism industry of Macau would excel in diversification in the Year of the Tiger. MGTO and Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) join hands to organize celebratory activities on the first day of Lunar New Year (Feb 14) at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square to mark the spring festival and add a festive atmosphere to the city. The number of visitor arrivals to Macau has experienced substantial growth in past ten years, from 7.5 million in 1999 to over 21.7 million in 2009. The "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta" consolidates Macau's position as an international tourism and leisure destination and the SAR Government will advance with the objective of moderate economic diversification. MGTO has also been striving to showcase the unique multi-cultural characteristics through various tourism activities and products. Lunar New Year is an important festival in the Chinese society and also a peak season for visitors to experience the traditional celebrations in Macau. MGTO and IACM take this opportunity to express New Year greetings to the citizens and hospitality to the visitors. On the first morning of Lunar New Year, Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes, President of IACM, Raymond Tam, Deputy Directors of MGTO Helena Fernandes and Manuel Pires, joined by other guests, hosted the eye-dotting ceremony of the golden dragon and lions at the Ruins of St. Paul's and lit firecrackers at Senado Square to mark the celebrations. Guests and officials from MGTO, teamed up with the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the God of Fortune and the Gods of Happiness, Prosperity, and Longevity, greeted the public and distributed "Lai Si" (red packets with lucky money) and souvenirs to residents and visitors. "Lai Si" distributed by the God of Fortune bestow good luck and fortune for the Year of the Tiger. The crowd also enjoyed lively performance by the folkloric art troupe from the Yunan province. During Lunar New Year, MGTO’s 24-hour "Tourism Hotline 2833 3000" will be attended by operators to strengthen the services for tourists' enquiries. MGTO advises the visitors to stay at hotels and guesthouses with license for a pleasant journey. The vibrant dragon and lion dances signal Macau to be as energetic and spirited as these noble creatures in the Year of the Tiger, and as Tiger shows the characteristics of intrepid and dignified, Macau people who boast these qualities and stand fast at their post would be promised with fruitful results. The Lunar New Year celebrations are held on the first and second day of the Lunar New Year. Details of the activities are available on the website of MGTO http://www.macautourism.gov.mo. In keeping with tradition, lucky "Lai Si" will be distributed at MGTO counters during Lunar New Year while stock lasts. Each packet contains a 10-cent coin as a symbol of MGTO's wishes for good luck and prosperity throughout the year. On Lunar New Year's Eve, MGTO staged a splendid fireworks display extravaganza set off from barges anchored in waters just off the Macau Tower to usher in the Year of the Tiger. Thousands of citizens and visitors gathered at the waterfront for the magnificent spectacle.
