In commemoration of the World Tourism Day, 27 September, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) organized a series of activities to support this global tourism occasion. In parallel with Macao’s goal to develop into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, MGTO is committed to fostering the diversified and sustainable development of Macao tourism industry, its dedication echoing the World Tourism Day’s theme of this year – “Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development”.
MGTO rolled out various activities for the World Tourism Day today (27 September), from greeting the Lucky Tourist, the traditional Tray Race to the Dinner for the World Tourism Day.
MGTO officials arrived at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal this morning to present welcome souvenirs to the Lucky Tourist on the World Tourism Day, while more souvenirs were distributed to visitors at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters throughout the day. The Lucky Tourists of this year are a married couple surnamed Arakawa from Japan who are staying one night for their first vacation in Macao. From the Internet, they learned about the famous World Heritage Site in Macao, thus hoping to visit the city. Besides World Heritage attractions, the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion and the Cotai Area are among the stops in their itinerary.
Following that, the traditional Tray Race kicked-off in the afternoon. Dressed in special costumes, contestants set off from the Ruins of St. Paul's to wind their way down the lanes amidst the Historic Centre of Macao, each carrying a tray with a bottle of beer, until hitting the finish line at Senado Square the fastest they could with the bottle of beer intact. The Race was filled with fun and excitement, enticing lots of visitors who took pictures and cheered the runners on, while demonstrating the attractiveness of Macao as a tourism city.
The Tray Race has attracted some 160 participants representing more than 20 local hotels and restaurants altogether this year. The first prize in the men’s category went to He Fuxing on behalf of Wynn Palace, whereas Wu Min Yi from Future Bright Group won the first prize in the women’s category. The Best Costume Awards were presented to Huang Wei Wen and Chen Xiaodong representing Hotel Holiday Inn and Hotel Lisboa respectively.
MGTO has invited hundreds of guests to the Dinner for the World Tourism Day, including representatives of relevant entities as well as members of the industry and the press. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes delivered a speech during the Dinner, besides a range of performances presented by local tourism enterprises as the highlights of the evening, showing the diversity of tourism and leisure elements Macao has to offer.
This year, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has declared the annual theme of the World Tourism Day as “Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development”. In Macao, tourism contributes not only as a powerful driver for moderate economic diversification but also as a major force that leads to improvement in the quality of local people’s lives. Moreover, tourism brings wider attention to environmental protection and preservation of cultural heritage. As the tourism industry makes new progress ahead, other interrelated industries are driven forward; tourism development also leads to broader cultural exchange, closer partnership and deeper connection with people around the world, incessantly uplifting Macao’s role as a platform. While sustainable tourism is one of the influential enhancers for sound development in different areas, MGTO will keep at forging effective teamwork with industry partners and strike a balance between the demand of visitors and residents to cater for, so that all members of the society can join hands to welcome new opportunities and enjoy the fruits brought by tourism growth.
Starting in 1980, UNWTO has designated 27 September as the annual World Tourism Day, with the objective to promote awareness on the importance of tourism across the international community, particularly regarding its social, cultural, political and economic value. By designation of the World Tourism Day, UNWTO aims to deliver a key message every year. In accord with the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations General Assembly, UNWTO has applied “Sustainable Tourism – A Tool for Development” as the theme of the World Tourism Day this year to raise awareness on the contribution of sustainable tourism to development in different areas among decision- and policy- makers as well as the international community. Over 100 countries and regions carried out activities for the World Tourism Day around the globe on this day, with the official commemoration held in Qatar this year. For details, please visit: http://wtd.unwto.org/en.
