News

Statistics and Census Service announced that starting from January 2006, information on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) series rebased to July 2004 - June 2005. The 2004/2005-based Composite CPI for January 2006 was 106.37, up by 0.58% over the previous month. The increment was attributable to the rising charges in hairdressing services before the Chinese New Year, price increases in outbound package tours; fish and seafood; meals bought away from home; and fruit during the Chinese New Year holidays, as well as the further increase in gasoline prices. As a result, the indices of Recreation & culture, Miscellaneous goods & services went up by 1.70% and 1.38%; Food & non-alcoholic beverages and Transport rose by 0.83% each. However, price reductions in winter clothing led to a 2.58% decrease in the indice of Clothing & footwear. As a consequence of the Chinese New Year that took place in January this year, Composite CPI for January 2006 registered a notable year-on-year increase of 5.88%. For the 12 months ended January 2006, the average Composite CPI rose by 4.67% over the previous period. Compared with December 2005, CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.53% and 0.60% respectively. Similar to the previous CPI series, apart from the compilation of the Composite CPI that reflects the impacts of price changes for the general population, two indices are compiled to show the influences of price changes for households in different expenditure ranges. The CPI-A relates to about 49% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP 3,000 to MOP 9,999; the CPI-B relates to about 31% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP 10,000 to MOP 19,999.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that attributed to the Chinese New Year holidays, total visitor arrivals reached 1,661,393 in January 2006, up 18.5% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong increased 12.4% and 40.3% respectively, whereas those from Taiwan, China decreased 10.8%. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 52.0% of the total arrivals, at 863,719. The majority of visitors came from Mainland China (55.8% of the total), Hong Kong (31.8%) and Taiwan, China (5.6%). Among the Mainland visitors, 502,423 (54.2%) travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea went up 28.7% year-on-year to 611,640 in January 2006, with 576,738 arriving at the Outer Harbour (+25.1%); the majority of these visitors were from Hong Kong (62.1%) and Mainland China (26.3%). Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour jumped 146.7% to 34,902 and 61.8% were from Mainland China. In January 2006, visitor arrivals by land increased 14.0% to 971,957. The majority of these visitors came from Mainland China (75.8%) and Hong Kong (17.2%). Visitor arrivals through the Border Gate increased 23.3%. In addition, arrivals by air were 77,796, up 5.7% compared with the same period of last year, with 76,877 arriving at the Macao International Airport (+5.8%). Visitors from Taiwan, China (49.0%) and Mainland China (23.2%) were the major users of this access.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service shows that value of total retail sales was estimated at MOP2.34 billion. The highest value was in the sales of motor vehicles (15% of the total); followed by sales of goods in department stores (12%); watches, clocks and jewellery (11%); goods in supermarkets (11%); adults' clothing (9%); automotive fuels (6%); fuels for household use (5%); cosmetic and sanitary articles (4%); goods in pharmacies (4%); and household electric appliances (4%). In this quarter, value of retail sales rose by 7% compared with MOP2.19 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2005. In comparison with the fourth quarter of 2004 (MOP2.16 billion), value of retail sales registered an 8% growth. Attributed to the continuous prosperity of the tourism sector and stable economic growth of Macao, the annual retail sales for 2005 registered an all-time record of MOP8.78 billion, up by 17% over 2004, with notable increases in the retail sales of cosmetic and sanitary articles (+40%); adults' clothing (+38%); automotive fuels (+36%); fuels for household use (+30%); and household electric appliances (+30%), etc. A comparison of the retailers’ opinions indicated that about 22% reported decrease in the sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2005, down by 19 percentage points over the third quarter; 78% reported constant or increase in sales volume. In terms of retail prices, 60% and 24% reported constant and increase in retail prices whereas 16% reported decrease. Compared with the same quarter of 2004, about 69% said that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2005, while 14% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the prospect for the first quarter of 2006, about 72% of the retailers predicted increase or constant in sales volume, 28% predicted decrease. Meanwhile, about 79% forecasted constant or increase in retail prices, while 21% forecasted decrease.
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Statistics and Census Service released the results of Employment Survey for the fourth quarter of 2005. Principal indicators such as the labour force participation rate (64.3%), unemployment rate (4.0%) and underemployment rate (1.4%) were published in January 2006. The annual unemployment rate for 2005 was 4.1%, down by 0.7 percentage point compared with 4.8% in 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2005, total labour force was estimated at 259,000, within which 249,000 were employed and 10,000 were unemployed. Compared with the previous quarter, the employed population increased 8,000 persons, while the unemployed population dropped 100 persons. Within the employed population, 52.3% were male. Analyzed by industry, the majority of the employed population were in Recreational, cultural, gaming & other service activities (17.5%), Wholesale & retail trade (15.0%), Manufacturing (14.8%), as well as Construction (10.6%). In terms of occupation, 21.6% of the employed population were Clerks (including casino dealers, floorpersons, betting service operators, etc.), 20.1% were Service & sales workers and 17.6% were Unskilled workers. The median actual hours worked per week was 47.5 hours and the median monthly employment earnings was MOP5,840. Within the unemployed, 89.4% were searching for a new job, while 10.6% had never worked and were searching for their first job. With regard to the educational attainment of the unemployed, 10.2% had lower than primary education; 29.3% had primary education; 32.0% had junior secondary education; 18.2% had senior secondary education and 10.3% had tertiary education. Within the unemployed that were searching for a new job: Analyzed by previous industry, the majority had worked in Manufacturing (22.5%); Wholesale & retail trade (21.0%); Recreational, cultural, gaming & other service activities (15.2%); as well as Construction (12.0%). In terms of their previous occupation, 24.7% had been Service & sales workers, followed by Clerks (21.5%) and Unskilled workers (20.7%).
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Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr Chui Sai On officiated the launch ceremony of “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” in front of the Ruins of St Paul’s to mark the commencement of a series of promotions and activities by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) to reinforce Macau’s tourism brand, “The Historic Centre of Macau”. Joining Secretary Chui are Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes and Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs Bureau Wong Sai Hong. Chui Sai On hit the “gong” to herald the commencement of the “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” launch ceremony. 25 golden lions, accompanied by Portuguese folk dancers, presented the photos of the 25 historic monuments and squares of “The Historic Centre of Macau” in a parade. A huge banner of “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” unfolded on the staircase in front of the Ruins of St Paul’s to usher in the “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” campaign which aims to reinforce the cultural image of Macau After the launch ceremony, guests visited the "2006 Macau World Heritage Year Photo Exhibition” and "Macau 24 Hours Photo Exhibition” at the Macau Tourism and Cultural Activities Centre. Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes delivered a speech in the briefing today, followed by a presentation by Head of Promotion and Marketing Department of MGTO, Cecilia Tse, who outlined the promotional plan of “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” to the media and travel trade. She pointed out that the campaign will encompass 6 core elements, namely global image projection, overseas promotions, consumer promotion, media campaign, heritage tours and cultural performances, which will be rolled out in various markets including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan China, Japan, Korea, Europe, North America and Australia. MGTO will also, in addition to promoting this campaign to visitors through channels such as MGTO’s website, MGTO’s information counters and ports of entry, distribute promotional materials of Macau World Heritage Year to travelers to arouse their interest. Cecilia Tse added that, promotions and activities overseas will be designed around the theme of Macau World Heritage Year and Macau’s cultural legacy will be feature at major travel fairs around the world. Media, travel trade representatives will also be invited to join familiarization visits to Macau. She also unveiled that on the consumer front, MGTO will launch 2 campaigns, “Heritage Passport” and in conjunction with VISA International “Macau Treasure Hunt II” which offer discounts and lucky draws to boost visitor spending. In terms of advertising, MGTO plans to produce special features and TV broadcasts on Macau World Heritage with major international and regional media channels. In addition, MGTO will continue to enrich the itineraries of “Cultural Heritage Tour” and cooperate with Cultural Affairs Bureau to host various cultural performances for promotion purpose. The 29th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Durban, South Africa last July has decided to inscribe China’s bid,“The Historic Centre of Macau”, on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List, raising the number of World Heritage Sites in China to 31. This international recognition will further raise community and visitor awareness, fostering a greater appreciation of heritage in Macau. Information of today’s activity will be available on the website of Macau Government Tourist Office. Please visit http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/promotion/mwhy2006.php
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Representatives from the aeronautical authorities of the Macao SAR and the Hellenic Republic of Greece met in Macao for a two-day meeting from 16 to 17 February 2006 to discuss bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two places. The discussions were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere and generated satisfactory results with liberal conditions. On 17 February, the two parties initialed the Air Services Agreement and signed the respective Memorandum of Understanding. According to the provisions of the Agreement and the Memorandum, the two parties exchange various traffic rights including fifth freedom rights. The signatories were the Acting President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR, Mr. Chan Weng Hong and the Director General, the Directorate General of Air Transport, Civil Aviation Authority of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, Mrs. Fotini Mitakou. In addition to civil aviation officials, the Consul General of Greece in Hong Kong also participated in the meeting. Representatives of CAM-Macau International Airport Company Limited and Air Macau attended the meeting as observers. The Agreement established the framework for the scheduled air services between the two places and enhanced the mutual relationship. Up till this present moment, Macao has initialed 44 Air Services Agreements with other foreign countries. Out of these Agreements, 36 have been officially signed.
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The English language edition Macao Yearbook 2005, an annual publication compiled and written by the Government Information Bureau of the MSAR, will be launched tomorrow (18 February). Macao Yearbook 2005 outlines major events, details of progress achieved, and changes made in the course of Macao’s political, economic, social and cultural development. The Macao Yearbook has been published annually since 2002, with the aim of promoting Macao and providing detailed information and data for all who wish to study and understand Macao. Enriched by some 190 photos, the 621-page Macao Yearbook 2005 is divided into five sections: Administrative Priorities of the MSAR Government in 2004; Calendar of Events in 2004; Review of the MSAR in 2004; Overview of the Macao SAR; and Appendices. In this edition, the Review of the MSAR in 2004 records all the major developments and changes in the administrative, legislative and judicial areas in Macao during the year. The Overview of the MSAR presents, in a systematic and integrated manner, data and information on the political and administrative system; legal and judicial system; external relations; economy; gaming industry; tourism; public order; education; culture and sport; health and social welfare; media, communications and information technology; land, infrastructure, housing and public utilities; transport; geography, environment and population; religion and customs; and history. Macao Yearbook 2005 is separately published in Chinese, Portuguese and English. The book retails at a price of just 120 patacas/Hong Kong dollars. In Macao, the three different language editions of Macao Yearbook 2005 are on sale at the Macau Cultural Plaza, Sing Kwong Bookshop, the Portuguese Bookshop (Livraria Portuguesa), Wan Tat Bookshop, Elite Bookstore, One Bookshop, and Universal Bookshop, as well as at the Philatelic Division and following branches of the Macao Post Office (Macao Post): Rua do Campo, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, Nova Taipa. In addition, Macao Yearbook 2005 can also be purchased at the Government Printing Bureau and its outlet at the Public Administrative Building on Rua do Campo. In Hong Kong, the three separate language editions of Macao Yearbook 2005 are on sale at the Commercial Press (HK) Ltd bookshops the Cosmos Books Ltd. During the promotion period ends until 31 March 2006, a 20 percent discount will be offered to any purchase of Macao Yearbook 2005. Anyone who buys the 2005 edition will enjoy a 50 percent discount on the purchase of any of the previous editions (Macao Yearbook 2004, Macao Yearbook 2003 and Macao Yearbook 2002).
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service shows that in the fourth quarter of 2005, construction of 28 buildings was started, which included residential, commercial and buildings for other uses. The gross floor area was 587,254 m², up 149.4% and 31.2% in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2005 respectively. The total number of units was 2,533, increased 8 times and 74.0% over the fourth quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2005 respectively. In the year of 2005, the gross floor area and number of units of the buildings started increased 198.2% and 79.4% respectively over 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2005, 17 buildings were completed or extended, which included residential and buildings for other uses. The gross floor area of these buildings was 211,233 m², up 107.2% and 131.7% in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2005 respectively. The total number of units was 377, down 41.4% and 54.7% compared with the fourth quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2005 respectively. In the year 2005, the gross floor area and number of units of the buildings completed and extended went up 82.0% and 15.3% respectively year on year. According to the information supplied by the Finance Services Bureau, 7,079 units with a total value of MOP 7.17 billion were transacted in the fourth quarter of 2005. Among them, 4,343 were residential units, with a value of MOP 5.76 billion. Among all the building units transacted, 2,843 units were exempted from property tax (i.e. they were new buildings) with their value amounting to MOP 4.81 billion. In the year 2005, 33,644 units were transacted and their total value amounted to MOP 23.8 billion, increased 20.9% and 46.1% respectively year on year. The average transaction price of residential units per square meter of usable area in 2005 was MOP10,024, up 25.6% over 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the average transaction price of residential units was MOP10,152, up 17.6% and down 9.0% over the fourth quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2005 respectively. Meanwhile, the average transaction prices of residential units in the Macao Peninsula and Taipa were MOP8,881 and MOP14,162 per square meter respectively, higher than the level recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004 and lower than the third quarter of 2005. Moreover, the average transaction price of residential units in Coloane was MOP15,901 per square meter. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the average transaction price of industrial units per square meter of usable area was MOP3,497, up 22.7% and 4.3% over the fourth quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2005 respectively. On the other hand, in the fourth quarter of 2005, the average transaction price of office units per square meter of usable area was MOP13,997, up 32.8% and down 6.3% over the fourth quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2005 respectively. Among the office units, the area of Baixa de Macau recorded the highest average transaction price per square meter, at MOP29,851, whereas the area of NAPE e Aterros da Baía da Praia Grande had the lowest average, at MOP12,766.
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Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), João Manuel Costa Antunes and Deputy Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes led the MGTO delegation to welcome 140 representatives from the Hong Kong travel trade and media at a Spring Luncheon held at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel today. Mr. Costa Antunes expressed his gratitude to travel trade and media friends for bringing a fruitful year to Macau’s tourism industry in the Year 2005, with total visitor arrivals of 18.7 million. This achievement, which represents 12% growth over 2004, sets 2005 a record-breaking year. Hong Kong remains as the second largest source market for Macau, with 5.6 million Hong Kong residents, an 11% increase over the previous year, visiting Macau last year. MGTO has set promotion strategies for the year 2006, which aims at an all-rounded development of the tourism industry. On the cultural aspect, the “Historic Centre of Macau” was successfully inscribed into UNESCO’s World Heritage List in July 2005 with the tremendous support of the Central Government. To celebrate this achievement and also to strengthen Macau’s appeal as a “City of Culture”, MGTO has set 2006 as “Macau World Heritage Year”. MGTO will continue to engage the theme “Macau a world of difference, the difference is Macau” with the focus on the “Historic Centre of Macau” to promote Macau tourism in 2006. Besides, Macau has proven to the world its potential to be a metropolis capable of organizing international events, by successfully hosting the 4th East Asian Games, 2005 Macau International Kart Grand Prix, the 52nd Macau Grand Prix and many other events last year. In addition, MGTO will further develop Macau as a MICE and business travel destination. The successful hosting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference in April 2005 has significantly raised Macau’s profile in the MICE industry. In the year 2006, MGTO will continue to exercise its strength in the area, and is preparing for the“United Nations World Tourism.Organization Ministerial Round Table Meeting” and the “44th Meeting of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the 48th Meeting of the Commission for South Asia”. To pave way for upcoming MICE business, the MICE Research and Information Centre will be opened this April to provide the latest information and support to interested parties. Since the initiation of the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Cooperation in 2004, Macau has been actively working on overall tourism cooperation with the participating provinces and cities. Recently, a growing trend has been observed of Hong Kong visitors traveling to Macau via PPRD. Thus, a close cooperation with PPRD is indeed crucial to the betterment of Macau tourism. Based on the above achievements and strategies, together with a series of new development of hotels and large-scale tourism facilities, it will be optimistic for Macau to grow into one of the key destinations in the Asia Pacific region. MGTO will continue to maintain a close and collaborative relation with the travel trade and media in Hong Kong to promote Macau tourism in the years to come.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that in December 2005, visitor arrivals in package tours totalled 241,145, up 9.4% over December 2004. Visitors from Mainland China (199,017) and Hong Kong (11,601) increased 11.9% and 78.4% year-on-year; however, those from Taiwan, China (7,267) decreased 59.6%. In 2005, arrivals in package tours grew 7.1% over 2004 to 2,675,753. Number of Macao residents travelling in package tours totalled 27,087 in December 2005, a year-on-year increase of 20.2%. Mainland China, Taiwan, China and Thailand were the three more popular tour itineraries, which accounted for 74.8%, 6.5% and 4.8% of the total, respectively. In 2005, Macao residents travelling in package tours surged 39.1% compared with 2004. Meanwhile, 37,907 Macao residents travelled under own arrangements with the assistance of travel agencies, a leap of 64.1% over December 2004; Hong Kong (39.0%), Mainland China (28.5%) and Taiwan, China (15.2%) were the major destinations. In 2005, Macao residents travelling under such arrangements rose 16.5% compared with 2004. At the end of December 2005, there were 10,832 rooms available in hotels and similar establishments, an increase of 1,664 rooms (+18.2%) over December 2004. In December 2005, a total of 386,524 guests checked into hotels and similar establishments in Macao, up 11.1% over the same month of 2004. The average hotel occupancy rate fell by 2.4 percentage points to 76.1% compared with the same month of 2004; the highest average hotel occupancy rate was in 3-star hotels, at 84.2%. The average length of stay of hotel guests showed a decrease of 0.01 night over December 2004 to 1.14 nights. The majority of the guests came from Mainland China (60.1%), Hong Kong (25.3%) and Taiwan, China (2.7%). In 2005, number of hotel guests recorded a year-on-year growth of 4.2% to 4,121,088. In 2005, hotel guests (excluding Macao residents) accounted for 43.3% of the total number of tourists, which was lower than the 45.5% recorded in 2004.
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