Annual activities have been held on 27^th September - designated by the World Tourism Organization as World Tourism Day since 1980 - with this year no exception. The purpose of World Tourism Day is to promote awareness among the international community of the significance of tourism, especially in regard to its social, cultural, political and economic values, with this year's theme 'Sustainable Tourism - A Tool For Development'. Thus, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has organized a number of events, including distributing gifts to lucky tourists, the Tray Race and World Tourism Day Dinner.

On the morning of World Tourism Day, MGTO officials will present welcome souvenirs to lucky tourists at Macao Ferry Terminal, while MGTO Tourist Information counters will present souvenirs to visitors throughout the day. In the traditional Tray Race taking place in the afternoon, competitors from the F&B industry of Macao will start from the Ruins of St. Paul's in a mad dash through the streets and lanes of part of the Historic Centre of Macao bearing a tray of beer in a race to reach the Senado Square finishing point first. Lots of photo ops! In the evening, local travel trade partners and media representatives will be invited by MGTO to attend the World Tourism Day Dinner Banquet.

For more information about World Tourism Day, please visit wtd.unwto.org.