The World Tourism Day, falling on 27 September annually, revolves around the theme of “Tourism and the Digital Transformation” this year. In commemoration of this global tourism occasion, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) organized a series of activities today (27 September) to celebrate with the rest of the world, from greeting the Lucky Tourist, the traditional Tray Race to the “World Tourism Day” Dinner, which was attended by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam. Gastronomic elements were woven into the string of activities, including the launch of the Gastronomy Map, with the aim to create a positive impetus for sustainable tourism development in Macao.

Lucky Tourist thrilled to receive souvenirs

MGTO Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong and Ricky Hoi together with other MGTO officials arrived at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal this morning to present welcome souvenirs to the Lucky Tourist on the World Tourism Day. Greeted also by the Macao Tourism Mascot “MAK MAK”, the Lucky Tourist of this year is David Clark from the United Kingdom, who is traveling to Macao and other destinations in one trip with his wife Janet Stopher Clark as independent visitors. Thrilled to become the Lucky Tourist of the year, David shared that he had been to Portugal before and planned to visit the quaint architectures in Macao on this trip besides enjoying a taste of Portuguese cuisines and egg tarts here, as well as one of the famous large-scale singing and dance performances tonight. In addition, souvenirs were distributed to visitors at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters throughout the day.

Gastronomy Map takes visitors on a food journey in Macao

This year’s theme of the World Tourism Day spotlights the myriad opportunities brought for sustainable tourism by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Right after greeting the Lucky Tourist at the Ferry Terminal, MGTO announced the launch of the “Gastronomy Map” and presented an introduction of this website to the media at the same occasion. Following the designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy last year, MGTO launched the brand new website entitled “Gastronomy Map”: http://maps.gastronomy.gov.mo today (27 September) in tandem with the “2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy” to indicate over 40 culinary delights across the digital map at present, enhancing visitors’ quest of local cuisines amid local streets and lanes. Based upon the “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities” walking tour routes, MGTO partnered with local key opinion leaders (KOL) to present a palette of signature delicacies highlighted by their sharing of travel and dining experience in town, drawing visitors to lesser-known districts for cuisines and consumption.

Costumes of Tray Race adorned with gastronomic elements

Held annually for frontline workers in the industry, the traditional Tray Race kicked-off in the afternoon. From the Ruins of St. Paul's, contestants ran down the lanes amidst the Historic Centre of Macao until hitting the finish line at Senado Square. The Race was animated with fun and excitement, enticing lots of visitors to take pictures and cheer the runners on.

The Tray Race attracted some 160 participants representing different hotels and restaurants in Macao this year. The first prize in the men’s category went to Rhoderick Robledo Garcia on behalf of The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, whereas Lory Ann Pama De La Cruz from Galaxy Entertainment Group won the first prize in the women’s category. Themed around the “2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy”, the Best Costume Awards of this year were presented to Tat Vinh Khai and Huang Lin Di representing Galaxy Entertainment Group and Future Bright Group respectively.

Secretary Alexis Tam attends “World Tourism Day” Dinner

In support of the World Tourism Day, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, attended the “World Tourism Day” Dinner to celebrate this annual global tourism occasion with hundreds of guests including representatives of relevant entities as well as members of the industry and the media. In her speech at the dinner, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes expressed her gratitude to local tourism operators for their support over the years. A range of performances were presented by six large tourism enterprises in Macao around the theme of the “2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy”, 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. By designation of the World Tourism Day, UNWTO aims to cope with the global challenges addressed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and highlight the possible contributions of the tourism industry towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNWTO aims to deliver a key message every year with the annual theme of the World Tourism Day, which the Organization has declared as “Tourism and the Digital Transformation” 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 Budapest, Hungary this year. For details, please visit: ​ http://www.un.org/en/events/tourismday/

MGTO launches the website of “Gastronomy Map” on the World Tourism Day

Fun and exciting Tray Race

MGTO officials and guests with Tray Race winners

Best Costume Awards of Tray Race is themed on the “2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy”

MGTO officials and Macao Tourism Mascot “MAK MAK” welcome the Lucky Tourist and his wife

Secretary Alexis Tam attends the “World Tourism Day” Dinner