The visits to Spain and Thailand helped to promote image of Macau as a tourist destination in international market, said Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Chui Sai On.

Mr. Chui arrived in Macau today (26th) after a 6-days visit to Spain and Thailand. Director of Macau Sports Development Board and the director of Macau Government Tourist Office are among the delegation.

The Delegation had participated in the first International Conference for Sport and Tourism and had exchanged experiences on hosting sport events and tourism development with experts from different countries and regions. The delegation also took the opportunity to promote the 2005 East Asia Games in Macau and to introduce the stable situation in Macau after the Handover.

During the visit in Spain, Mr. Chui met with the vice-secretary of Chinese Olympic Committee and expressed Macau's support for Beijing to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

The delegation also met with the tourism office of China in Madrid and discussed about holding a promotion week in Spain.

During the Visit in Thailand, the delegation met with the chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Joseph McInerney and the director of Thailand Tourism Bureau, Paisan Wangsai, to exchange opinion in strengthening the cooperation of tourism between Macau and Thailand.

Chui had submitted the proposal of holding 2005 Asia Pacific Travel Association Year in Macau to PATA and Thailand Government shown a positive attitude of supporting Macau.