The Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government will spare no effort in striving to find new sources for tourists, whilst stabilising the volume of international visitors - which posted record growth in 2014 - and encouraging them to stay longer, Chief Executive Mr. Chui Sai On said recently.

In a meeting at Government Headquarters with marketing representatives of the Macau Government Tourist Office on 19^th January convened to review the tourism situation and plan for the coming year, Mr. Chui said the strategies outlined had the common goal of enhancing Macau’s international positioning, promoting tourism products via various media networks and introducing special tours to attract different markets.

The Government would also take effective measures to further promote quality and integrated tourism, whilst strengthening regional co-operation, it was agreed. The bottom line is to develop multi-destination tourism routes to fulfil Macau’s declared position as a World Centre for Tourism and Leisure. In addition, it was very much at the forefront of Government thinking to position the MSAR as a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, a strategy which is already bearing economic fruit.

Last year witnessed an increase in the number of visitors coming to Macau - a record 31.5 million - despite the gaming sector having experienced a downward adjustment, he said, reflecting a successful beginning to the development of non-gaming attractions, a fundamental element of the planned diversification of the economy.

Officials who also attended the meeting included Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Mr. Tam Chon Weng, and Chief of his Office Mr. Lai Ieng Kit; Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office Ms. O Lam; Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Deputy Director Ms. Tse Heng Sai and Mr. Cheng Wai Tong, together with 17 MGTO market representatives.