Macau Celebrates World Tourism Day in September

More than 230 representatives participated in the Tray Race last year

It was during its third session - in Torremolinos, Spain, in September 1979 - that the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly agreed to establish World Tourism Day, beginning in 1980. As is now traditional, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) will greet lucky tourists arriving in the territory and organise the traditional tray race and evening banquet on 27th September to celebrate World Tourism Day concurrently with its counterparts around the world, among other special events.

Senior MGTO officials will arrive at the Macau Ferry Terminal on the morning of 27th September to present souvenirs to lucky arriving visitors. The Tourist Information counters of MGTO will present souvenirs as well. The traditional Tray Race - complete with drinks - will start on the afternoon of the same day from the Ruins of St. Paul's and finish amid cheering crowds at Senado Square. More than 230 representatives from hotels, Western and Chinese food restaurants participated in this hugely popular event last year.

The primary purpose of World Tourism Day is to promote the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. For the commemoration, UNWTO delivers a theme message on World Tourism Day every year. Thus every World Tourism Day has had a different theme for the past 35 years.The theme of World Tourism Day is "1 Billion Tourists, 1 Billion Opportunities" this year.

For details of World Tourism Day, please visit: http://wtd.unwto.org