On 27^th September, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) received its customary lucky tourists and organised the traditional Tray Race and dinner banquet to celebrate World Tourism Day concurrently with its counterparts around the world. During the 3^rd session of its General Assembly in Spain in 1979, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) designated 27th September as the annual World Tourism Day. This is the 35^th year since inaugural celebrations commenced in 1980.

This year's World Tourism Day was themed ‘Tourism and Community Development’. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes remarked at the dinner ‘Tourism is people-oriented economically and goes hand in hand with community development. While tourism can foster a society to flourish, community’s involvement is the key drive for the sustainable development of tourism industry. Through communication and partnership, the government can make concerted efforts with trade and citizens to build the tourism industry into an economic drive, and what’s more, to show to the world the unique dimensions of Macau’s community. Together we can boost our destination’s profile internationally.’

MGTO Director Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Deputy Director Ms. Cecilia Tse Heng Sai and Mr. Cheng Wai Tong presented welcome gifts to lucky tourist from Russia arriving at the Macau Ferry Terminal in the morning. Souvenirs were distributed, per tradition, to visitors at MGTO Tourist Information counters throughout the day.

The traditional Tray Race was held in the afternoon, with participants running from the Ruins of St Paul's to Senado Square. The race was divided into men's and women's categories and attracted 234 participants representing more than 28 hotels and restaurants in Macau. The first-prize winner of the men's category was Li Wei Jian from Grand Emperor Hotel, while Jennifer Leong from Galaxy Macau won first prize in the women's category. The Best Costume Awards went to Simon Yang from Grand Hyatt Macau and Zhang Lulu from The Landmark Macau Hotel.

Over the past 34 years, the World Tourism Organization has selected a specific theme message to commemorate World Tourism Day each year. The official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2014 were launched on 27^th September in Guadalajara, Mexico, with over 100 countries and regions celebrating around the world.