The World Tourism Day, designated on 27 September annually, revolves around the theme of “Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all” this year. Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) organized a series of activities today (27 September) to celebrate this day with residents and visitors, including greeting the Lucky Tourists and the traditional Tray Race. The Office also hosted a “World Tourism Day” Dinner to enhance networking with industry operators in the evening. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, and other guests were present at the Dinner. By joining the rest of the world to highlight this global tourism occasion, the Office strives to foster sustainable tourism development in Macao.

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and MGTO Deputy Director Ricky Hoi together with other MGTO superiors arrived at the Macau International Airport to present welcome souvenirs to the Lucky Tourists on the World Tourism Day. Greeted also by the Macao Tourism Mascot Robot “MAK MAK”, the Lucky Tourists of this year, Mr. Wipoosiri and his family, came from Thailand. Visiting Macao around four to five times every year, Mr. Wipoosiri expressed that Macao is a family-friendly destination and it is great to enjoy Macao’s culinary delights and explore the Historic Centre of Macao on a weekend vacation. Souvenirs were also distributed to visitors at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters throughout the day.

The traditional Tray Race kicked-off in the afternoon, gathering close to 180 contestants on behalf of over 29 hotels, restaurants and other entities in Macao. As this year marks the 20

Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, contestants lined up to form the number “20” in front of the Ruins of St. Paul’s for a group photo before the start of the Race, adding joy to the celebratory occasion. Some contestants wore special costumes themed after the handover anniversary. Balancing a bottle of Macau Beer on the tray, all contestants ran down the lanes through the Historic Centre of Macao and delivered the beer safely to the finish line at Senado Square the fastest they could. Radiating the charm of the destination, the Race was filled with fun and excitement, drawing lots of visitors who took pictures and cheered the runners on. The first prize in the men’s category went to Warren Obejas Cabada on behalf of Sands Cotai Central, whereas Ye XiaoJing from Future Bright Group won the first prize in the women’s category. The Best Costume Awards of this year were presented to Ou Huanming and Choi Chi Wang representing Future Bright Group and Golden Dragon Hotel respectively.

MGTO invited hundreds of guests including representatives of relevant entities as well as members of the trade and press to attend the “World Tourism Day” Dinner in the evening. In speaking at the Dinner, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, expressed that the tourism industry in Macao has made magnificent progress over the last two decades since the handover. However, given the ever-changing external factors, he encouraged industry operators to adopt innovative thinking and ride on past success to move forward, adjusting current strategies and devising new tourism products and marketing schemes to tap into various markets. He exhorted the trade to make continuous contributions to the prosperous and sustainable development of Macao’s tourism industry. The Dinner was held under the theme of the Celebration of the 20^th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Local singers performed the locally-composed song named “United as one Family in the City of Lotus” themed after the celebration of the handover anniversary. A range of performances were presented by the six large tourism enterprises in Macao around the theme as well, manifesting the all-round talent of local tourism employees and the diverse tourism and leisure elements Macao has to offer.

Since 1980, the World Tourism Organization (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, especially regarding its social, cultural, political and economic value.