Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) received the lucky tourist and held the traditional tray race and dinner banquet to celebrate World Tourism Day together with the world today (September 27).

During his speech at the dinner, Director of MGTO, João Manuel Costa Antunes expressed, "On its development path Macau tourism industry faced several adversities and challenges, but thanks to the unity and effort of tourism stakeholders difficulties were overcome. When MGTO decided to open the India market faced some skepticism but today India market performance proves that we have made the right choice, and next year we have plans to open a representative office in Russia. 2013 is an important year for Macau tourism industry as we will celebrate the 60th Macau Grand Prix and 25 years of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest. Despite the unstable international environment, I am optimistic about the prospects of the tourism industry and may we all continue to give our best so that united we can achieve better results."

MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes and Deputy Director Manuel Pires arrived at Macau Ferry Terminal this morning to present welcome souvenirs to the lucky tourist today. Souvenirs were also distributed to visitors at MGTO Information Counters throughout the day. The lucky tourist of World Tourism Day this year is named Linda from Switzerland, who came with her friends to Macau the first time. Knowing about Macau through Internet, Linda stated that she planned to have a sightseeing day trip around Macau.

The traditional tray race was held in the afternoon with participants setting off from the Ruins of St Paul's to Senado Square. The race was divided into men's and women's categories and attracted over 210 participants representing more than 20 hotels and restaurants in Macau.

Winner of the men's category was Ken Zhang Jun Ru from Galaxy Hotel, while winner of the women's category was Fatzzy Tan from Venetian Macau Resort Hotel. Best Costume Awards went to Liang Hua An of Macau Fisherman's Wharf and Li Qiying of Holiday Inn Macau.

During the 3rd session of its General Assembly in Spain in 1979, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) decided to designate September 27 as the annual "World Tourism Day". This is the 33rd year since the celebrations commenced in 1980.
 
The main purpose of founding "World Tourism Day" is to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and especially its social, cultural, political and economic values among the international community. World Tourism Organization selects a specific theme message to commemorate "World Tourism Day" each year. In the past 32 years, a different theme was selected for the annual World Tourism Day.
 
This year is the 33rd anniversary of World Tourism Day and the theme is "Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development". The official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2012 are launched on September 27 in Maspalomas, Spain, with over 100 countries carrying out celebrations around the world on the day as well. For more details, please visit: http://wtd.unwto.org/en

On the other hand, constructed and operated by Macau Hoteliers and Innkeepers Association, an online booking platform for budget accommodation will soon be launched under MGTO's support and encouragement. The related website will provide a platform for direct deals between operators and consumers and is expected to increase the overall capacity and competitiveness for budget accommodation.