Secretary for Social Affairs & Culture of the MSAR Government, Chui Sai On met with the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, Lee Bo Kyoung to discuss cooperation and exchange on tourism.

Secretary Chui expressed that there is a lot of room for cooperation between Macau and Korea. In recent years, the number of visitors from Korea has increased, paving the way for further cooperation and expansion of the tourism market. The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) representative in Korea actively reinforces promotion to boost higher number of visitors.

Secretary Chui added that Macau should learn from the past experience of Korea on amendment of tourism related laws as well as tourism management. He hoped the cooperation will continue, and that mutual visits would boost the tourism development of both places. During the meeting, Secretary Chui invited the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Korea to visit Macau, so as to further strengthen cooperation in tourism and cultural aspects.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, Lee Bo Kyoung is pleased to see the increment of Koreans visiting Macau, and expressed that Koreans are now paying higher attention to Macau's attractiveness. The direct flights mutually benefit visitors of both sides. On the other hand, Korea pays closer attention to Macau's rapid development on gaming and MICE, and is considering to send a working group to visit Macau. He indicated that Korea could work with Macau on regional tourism to attract visitors from Mainland China to visit Korea through Macau.

Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes introduced the latest tourism situation and promotional activities of Macau in Korea. He pointed out that MGTO has launched package tours in Korea comprising Macau-Pearl River Delta-other mainland cities. He said that Korea has an outstanding tourism development. Its package tour of shopping and cuisine are very attractive to visitors, and these are lessons for Macau to learn from. He welcomed tourism high officials to visit Macau, so as to strengthen cooperation and exchange on tourism.

Korea was the 7th largest source market for Macau in 2006. The first seven months of 2007 saw another outstanding growth of 27%, with nearly 120,000 arrivals from Korea. At present, there is direct air service between Macau and Korea.

During the visit, Secretary Chui officiated the opening of the "Macau Food Festival" and dinner reception for travel trade and media in Korea.

Director of MGTO, João Manuel Costa Antunes expressed at the dinner that Korea is a market that Macau values very much, and MGTO has been organizing a series of promotional activities in Korea, such as participating in KOFTA in June. He hopes the festival could showcase the charm of Macau's food culture.

Other guests at the dinner included Minister of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Korea, Liu Xiaobin, Director of the Ministry of Culture & Tourism of Korea, Kim Tae Hoon, Regional Director of the China National Tourist Office in Korea, Zhang Xilong and officials of tourism organizations totaling 200 guests.

From September 10, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launched a 3 week-long "Macau Food Festival" at Tao Yuen restaurant of Seoul Plaza Hotel in Korea, to promote Macau through fine Chinese dim sum and cuisine. Three veteran dim sum chefs from Macau were invited to prepare the dishes for the festival. Special menu with origins and explanation of dim sum are tailor-made for the "Macau Food Festival". Guests ordering the "Macau Food Festival" menu will receive Portuguese wine and a chance to win a tour to Macau for two.