Director João Manuel Costa Antunes of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) led a delegation of the MGTO to participate in the "Macau Welcomes You in Summer" promotion in Guangzhou. MGTO introduced the series of tourist promotional activities and incentive schemes to attract more visitors from Guangdong Province during summer to the media and travel trade representatives present.

The press conference was held at White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, Director of Guangdong Province Tourism Bureau, Mr. Zheng Tongyang attended the press conference. At the press conference, Eng. Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of MGTO and Ms. Helena Fernandes, Deputy Director announced the "Macau Welcomes You in Summer" campaign to be launched on Saturday (28 June 2003) in Macau which includes lucky draws with attractive prizes up to a total value of 8 Million Patacas for tourists. A total of 10 Mercedes Benz will be given away.

Director Costa Antunes revealed at the press conference that in order to boost the tourism industry between Shenzhen and Macau, starting from June 30th 2003 until August 1st, a ferry ticket promotional scheme between Shenzhen and Macau would be carried out. Passengers from either Macau or Shenzhen can purchase an economy class return ticket for only 1 dollar.

He remarked that with the stabilizing of SARS, MGTO will launch a variety of campaigns at source markets, first focusing on the Guangdong market with a variety of promotional activities and incentive schemes.

"In addition to the "Macau Welcomes You in Summer" campaign," Director Costa Antunes pointed out, " there will also be a variety of attractive events in the second half of year 2003, namely the Macau International Music Festival, and the highlight event of 2003, the 50th anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix. To celebrate this special occasion, the authorities will launch the "Macau Grand Prix Golden Jubilee Carnival" in conjunction with the Macau International Fireworks Festival, Macau Food Festival and other activities. Our objective is to let visitors have a most enjoyable stay in Macau."