As a new year comes around and everything looks fresh and cheerful, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) wishes all residents and visitors good health and prosperity in the Year of the Rabbit, and that the tourism industry of Macau would continue to develop and diversify, building the city into a global center of tourism and leisure. MGTO and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) join hands to organize celebratory activities on the first day of Lunar New Year (Feb 3) at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square to mark the spring festival and add a festive atmosphere to the city. Visitor arrivals came close to 25 million last year, registering an increase of 14.8% compared with 2009.The number of visitor arrivals to Macau surged from 7.5 million in 1999 to almost 25 million in 2010, a growth of more than 330%.
The "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta" consolidates Macau's position as a global center of tourism and leisure, and Macau is leveraging this strategic position and development direction. MGTO has also dedicated efforts to showcase Macau’s unique multi-cultural characteristics through various activities and products. Lunar New Year is an important festival in 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 residents and hospitality to visitors. On the first morning of Lunar New Year, Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes, Vice President of IACM, Lei Wai Nong and Deputy Director of MGTO Helena Fernandes, 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 God of Fortune, 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 Rabbit. The crowd also enjoyed lively performance by the folkloric art troupe from Anhui province. During Lunar New Year, MGTO's "Tourism Hotline 2833 3000" maintains its 24-hour operator service to answer tourists' enquiries. MGTO advises visitors to stay at licensed hotels and guesthouses for a pleasant journey. Visitors and residents can enjoy the parade of the 238-meter long golden dragon at major tourist spots. The vibrant dragon and lion dances signal Macau to be as energetic and spirited as these noble creatures in the Year of the Rabbit. The vivacity and gentle characteristics of the rabbit encourage Macau’s residents to live in harmony and work hand in hand for the betterment of Macau. 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 extravaganza set off from barges anchored in waters just off the Macau Tower to usher in the Year of the Rabbit. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered at the waterfront for the magnificent spectacle.
