On behalf of MGTO, I would like to extend our very best wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Snake to all our industry partners and friends around the world.

This year, for the first time, MGTO organized a parade to celebrate the Lunar New Year, part of a project to extend the length of visitors’ stay in Macau and introduce visitors to Macau’s different districts. We will be considering holding the event again in coming years, and finding ways to make it bigger and better.

The Parade to Celebrate the Year of the Snake was part of a broader work outline that MGTO introduced at its Annual Press Conference, which comprises six working points for this year, and which includes the long-term task of transforming Macau into a world center for tourism and leisure.

The six points are: carry out planning and research to enhance the tourism and leisure system; optimize the industry’s management and training, to actively promote quality tourism; develop cultural tourism products, while promoting events and festivals; support community tourism and strengthen public communication; innovate promotional techniques and explore new markets; and participate in international organizations to strengthen regional cooperation.

The Tourism Awareness Campaign has been officially launched to raise awareness among local residents of the importance of tourism to the city and how they can be welcoming and helpful with visitors and show their pride in Macau.

In 2013, MGTO opens a new representative office in Russia, a new market with great potential, with visa free entry for the many visitors to Hong Kong and Macau.

We are confident that these and other efforts, together with the continuing help and cooperation of our industry partners, will bring another successful year for us all.

Director of Macau Government Tourist Office
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes