News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 4.1% year-on-year to 858,970 in July 2013. Visitors in package tours mostly came from Mainland China (678,810), with 276,318 from Guangdong Province, followed by those from Taiwan, China (58,588); Hong Kong (35,706) and the Republic of Korea (26,726). In the first seven months of 2013, visitors in package tours totalled 5,495,742, up by 12.0% year-on-year. Outbound residents using services of travel agencies were 125,847 in July, up marginally by 0.3% year-on-year; those travelling in package tours totalled 49,251 and the main destinations were Mainland China; Taiwan, China and Thailand. In the first seven months of 2013, outbound residents increased by 16.8% year-on-year, at 824,312, and 315,448 travelled in package tours. There were 97 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of July 2013, providing 27,759 guest rooms, up by 14.5% year-on-year; guest rooms of 5-star hotels accounted for 66.2% of the total. In July 2013, a total of 907,965 guests checked into hotels and guesthouses, up by 3.7% year-on-year, with 527,957 staying in 5-star hotels (+9.9%). The average length of stay of guests increased by 0.1 night to 1.3 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses was 84.4%, down by 1.2 percentage points year-on-year, with 4-star hotels leading at 87.2%. In the first seven months of 2013, total number of guests reached 6,140,849, up by 14.7% year-on-year; the average occupancy rate stood at 80.5%, down by 2.1 percentage points. From January to July 2013, visitor-guests took up 71.2% of the total number of overnight visitors, higher than the 64.9% in the same period of 2012. NOTE
Further information can be obtained from the Documentation
and Information Centre of the Statistics and Census Service
Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, No. 411 – 417, Dynasty Plaza, 17th floor, Macao
Tel: 8399 5311
Fax: 2830 7825
E-mail: info@dsec.gov.mo
Website: www.dsec.gov.mo
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP131.4 billion (USD16.45 billion) at the end of August 2013. The reserves rose by 2.1% from the revised value of MOP128.8 billion (USD16.12 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves dropped by MOP1.8 billion or 1.4%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-August 2013 represented 16 times the currency in circulation or 128.3% of Pataca M2 at end-July 2013. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, dropped 0.73 points month-to-month and 1.29 points year-on-year to 97.56 in August 2013. For enquiry, please contact:
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on personal hygiene products on 10th September for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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Macao Post will launch an additional stamp issue "20th Anniversary of the Agreement for Trade and Cooperation European Union – Macao" on 15 November 2013. The stamp issue marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of this Agreement and witnesses the mutual benefits and the success achieved in bilateral relations in the fields of economic and trade cooperation.
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The second edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum ("GTE-Forum" or "the Forum"), hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, co-organised by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorisation of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, will return to the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre from 18-19 September 2013 (Media registration on 17 September). Details of the Programme and the speaker roster were announced at the press conference today (9 September) at the Tourism Activities Centre (CAT). Explore tourism's critical role in revitalising and driving global economic growth
Themed as "Regenerate our Economies: Invest in Travel and Tourism", this edition of GTE-Forum has invited over 40 ministerial officials and private leaders from globally-renowned corporations to more in-depth discussions on why and how investment in tourism industry can revitalize and mobilise global economic growth. The second edition is expected to command the same force as the inaugural edition, with the attendance of over 1,000 delegates from around the world, including delegations from more than 15 provinces and autonomous regions from China. Approximately 160 local and overseas media representatives will cover this event. Ms. Cheung So Mui Cecília, Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, said, "Through successful organisation of the inaugural Global Tourism Economy Forum last year, Macau has demonstrated respective capabilities and assets as well as proven itself as an ideal exchange platform. This year we once again bring industry leaders and elites from around the world together to discuss the insights to drive economic growth by leveraging tourism, while there will be over 100 local and overseas media representatives to join the Forum. Macau's commitment to organise three consecutive Global Tourism Economy Forums allows the city to fully facilitate its platform role that can bring significant influence to elevate Macau's international reputation." Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office added, "This year the Global Tourism Economy Forum is themed as 'Regenerate our Economies: Invest in Travel and Tourism', which is in line with Macau's positioning to evolve as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, as well as its objectives of foster adequate diversification and sustainable development. This edition of Forum comprises of ministerial round table, presentation sessions and discussion panels with a lineup of ministerial-level tourism officials, renowned entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific Region and global level, industry leaders, experts and intellectuals to share their ideas and experience. We firmly believe the invaluable insights contributed during the Forum will provide an important reference for the city's build-up of World Centre of Tourism and Leisure." Line up global leaders and deepen global tourism cooperation
The second edition of GTE-Forum will present an impressive line-up of global leaders, including Mr. Su Rong, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference cum Forum Chairman of GTE-Forum; Mr. Li Lu, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); Mr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, TUI Deutschland Gmbh and TUIfly Gmbh; Mr. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association; and Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism. In addition, ministerial-level government dignitaries such as Mr. Du Jiang, Vice Chairman of National Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China and Mr. Adolfo Mesquita Nunes, Secretary of State of Tourism of Portugal will participate in the Ministerial Round Table in collaboration with the UNWTO session and speak on the subject of global cooperation in travel and tourism. The Forum has also invited renowned tourism and corporate leaders around the world to share their insights in tourism economy development. These leaders include Mr. Zheng Yuewen, Founder and Chairman of Creat Group; Mr. Arthur de Haast, Chairman of Hotels and Hospitality Group of Jones Lang LaSalle; Mr. Naren Srinivasan, Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate Development of The Hertz Corporation; Mr. Luis del Olmo, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels International; and Ms. Liu Ting, President of Asia Link Group, among others. Analyse the components of success and foster international cooperation
This edition of GTE-Forum is collaborating with, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), to explore practical solutions to foster tourism economy from a spectrum of perspectives such as investment opportunities and challenges, supportive tourism policy and tourism innovations. Hospitality Session: Points of View from Global Industry Leaders focuses on the economic and societal impact of hospitality sector at the regional and national levels. China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable is designed to demonstrate how Chinese private enterprises follow the "Go Global" policy, build and expand their businesses overseas, promote cooperation with overseas enterprises, and bring in overseas business partners. Further, business matching sessions, presentations and workshops, have been created to facilitate direct contact and exchange between Mainland Chinese and overseas enterprises and organisations during the Forum period. Various social events such as luncheon, entertainment shows, and Macau World Heritage visit have been specially created for delegates so that they can experience the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures as well as endless innovations of Macau tourism. Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairman of the Global Tourism Economic Research Centre Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economic Forum, commented, "A high-level international exchange and business matching platform, the inaugural Forum has successfully served as a springboard and established subsequent business networking activities between China and foreign countries. In addition to a wide range of discussion topics, this edition also emphasises the element of business matching, which not only provides first-hand information about the tourism markets in Asia and China, but also continues last year's success in exploring and fostering cross-regional, cross-sector investment opportunities and cooperation in tourism." - End - About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
Hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co-organised by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorisation of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a prominent annual event for the global tourism industry. In 2012, the Inaugural Forum attracted over 1,000 delegates from 34 countries and cities all over the world. The Forum aims at establishing a platform for domestic and overseas exchange and cooperation, fostering and promoting integrated development in tourism and service industries, creating better investment prospects and deepening tourism cooperation, thus bringing new opportunities of economic development for China and the world.
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The Macao Government has high regards for the role of Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation and Development Forum as a platform to strengthen ties with participating provinces. An increasing number of joint projects have shown the effectiveness of this co-operative mechanism, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today when he delivered a keynote speech at the 9th Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation and Development Forum in Guiyang, Guizhou Province.
He said that with support from the Central Government and the efforts of all provinces from the PPRD region, the co-operation mechanism has been improving. Based on this good foundation, Mr Chui said, reviewing the past and looking into the future, Macao's has a steady development in economy and society which people's livelihood improving. Expanding and deepening regional tourism co-operation had effectively accelerated turning Macao into a world tourism leisure hub, he said. Regional economic and trade interaction has enhanced the vitality of Macao's economic development. Meanwhile, Macao's position as a trading platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries is re-affirmed.
In the future, Macao would continuously step up tourism co-operation with regional provinces as well as boost co-operation on business, services, environmental protection, culture, education and medical services.
Mr Chui stressed that Macao, as one of the components of the so-called 9+2 PPRD – nine provinces on the delta and the 2 special administrative regions of Macao and Hong Kong — would work with all provinces to implement the country's "Twelfth Five Year Plan" and to promote the pan-PRD region's prosperity, stability and development.
Mr Chui led a delegation to the Forum which opened today, presided over by the member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the Vice Premier Mr Wang Yang.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on shampoo and shower gel on 6th September for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met today with leaders of Guizhou Province in Guiyang where they agreed to step up co-operation in tourism, services and in the exchange in talents and culture.
During the meeting, Mr Chui, who is in Guiyang leading a Macao delegation to the 9th Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation and Development Forum, which opens tomorrow.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Secretary of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, Mr Zhao Kezhi, and the Governor of Guizhou Province, Mr Chen Min'er, the co-operation in the past.
Mr Chui said that with the successfully establishment of the Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operative mechanism, all the brotherhood provinces had provided much supports to Macao's development.
Mr Zhao said Guizhou and Macao had always maintained a good and close relationship, and he hoped the Forum would act continuously as a platform to further boost co-operation between the two places.
He pointed out Guizhou and Macao could step up co-operation in three areas, namely tourism, services and exchange in talented personnel and culture. Mr Zhao said on tourism co-operation, the two areas could share experience to boost mutually beneficial developments. On services, he said, to meet with the urbanisation of Guizhou, Macao entrepreneurs are welcome to invest in the province. On the exchange of personnel and culture, he said Guizhou has launched initiatives to attract more professionals to work in the city and that Macao talents were welcome to start businesses there.
Mr Chui agreed with Mr Zhao and said with the good foundation in tourism co-operation, multi-destination travel is one of the important directions to take to enhance mutual development, and that Macao and Guizhou could further enhance their relationship in this way.
He said he would assign the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, to follow up on the co-operative projects.
During the two-day visit in Guiyang which started today, Mr Chui also met with the Governor of Sichuan Province, Mr Wei Hong, who is also taking part in the Forum. Mr Chui said that with the completion of all construction projects after the Wenchuan earthquakes in 2008, more contacts and co-operation have begun, adding that he expected to see more co-operations in the future.
He said progress on many projects could be stepped up, especially in tourism, and he highlighted that co-operation in multi-destination travel as an example.
Mr Wei said that a deep relationship has been established since the Wenchuan earthquake, and he thanked the Macao Government and people for their support after the earthquakes in Ya'an earthquake in April this year. He would be glad to see Sichuan and Macao continue to enhance co-operation in education, tourism, culture, medical, sport and to build up trading platforms to allow more communication and co-operation between entrepreneurs from the two places, Mr Wei said.
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In the first half-year of 2013, a total of 289 applications for temporary residency for managerial personnel, technical and professional qualification holders were received by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) (a decrease of 22 compared with the same period last year), 46 applications for major investment and major investment plans (a decrease of 8 compared with the same period last year), representing 86% and 14% of the total of 335 new applications in the first half-year of 2013. Approved cases for managerial personnel, technical and professional qualification holders amounted to 138 (a decrease of 54 compared with the same period last year), approved applications for major investment and major investment plans totalled 23 (an increase of 17 compared with the same period last year). In accordance with the Administrative Regulation No. 7/2007, temporary residency applications for fixed asset purchases have been suspended since 4 April 2007. There were over 4,000 applications lodged before the closing date of the policy and are still being processed. Therefore, there were no new residency applications during the first half-year of 2013 for fixed assets purchases while all of the 4 already approved cases were lodged before 4 April 2007. Statistics of Investment Residency Applications and the Cases and Number of Beneficiaries in the First Half-Year of 2013
(* please find the attached file) For further enquiries on the residency application guidelines, please contact IPIM by visiting the website: www.ipim.gov.mo, email: gjfr@ipim.gov.mo, tel: 28712055 or fax: 28713950. Applicants may also visit the website and enquire about the progress of their residency application status online.
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In an effort to further promote music among the local populace, the 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) has launched several music promotion community activities, bringing music to the community and taking advantage of various spaces in the city with simple installations. A session of "Music All Around", as part of these community activities, has already been held at the Kiang Wu Hospital Lobby Ten members of the Macao Handbells Association (MHA) set up a simple stage at the Kiang Wu Hospital Outpatient Lobby and performed several musical pieces, taking all those present by surprise. The ensemble's conductor, Saver Shek, also gave a brief presentation about the instruments' characteristics and interacted with the younger children, allowing them to experiment with the hand bells and carry out the role of conductor. The children thoroughly enjoyed this experience and eagerly joined the musicians. "Music All Around" will also be held at the Inpatient Department Lobby of the Conde de S. Januário Hospital on September 8th, Sunday, at 4pm, featuring once again the MHA. In addition to these performances, the Macao A Capella Association will also surprise residents and tourists with "flash performances" in several locations in September and October. For more information on these and other MIMF activities, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website on www.icm.gov.mo/fimm.
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