“Macao Welcomes You Campaign”

The “Macao Welcomes You” Tourism Promotional Campaign was launched in full-scale on September 15, 2001. To mark the occasion, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr. Chui Sai On officiated the lighting ceremony to kick off the campaign at 8:30pm at the Jardim das Artes in NAPE area.

“Macao Welcomes You” is a major promotional campaign to boost Macau tourism, encourage tourists to stay longer and stimulate higher consumption. The whole city will be participating in the campaign and residents will be encouraged to take the role of “Tourism Ambassador” to promote Macao to the World.

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr Chui Sai On, director of MGTO Eng. João Manuel Costa Antunes joined with other guests to kickoff the ceremony which signified the official launching of “Macao Welcomes You” Campaign.

A variety of performances was held during the launching ceremony, including folk dance, live band, singing, magic shows and instrumental performances. Famous canto-pop singers Jun Kung Sek Leung from Hong Kong, Casimiro Pinto, the Solers and others singers from Macao performed in the ceremony.

“The tourism industry stood at a key position in the Macao economy. In order to achieve a brisk tourism industry, both the Government and community have to be largely involved. The SAR Government has planned to allocate $50 million as promotional budget for this project. And now, the concerned industry and the Macao residents have to build hand in hand a favorable environment and provide the best quality services for tourists. We invite all of you to join the “Macao Welcomes You” Campaign, so as to treat visitors with hospitality, turning Macao into a true welcoming city. Director Antunes indicated that The “Macao Welcomes You” promotional campaign this year include again the “Macao Welcomes You Passport”. Tourists who join the campaign will enjoy cash rebate, discount privileges, and may even receive a cash prize of MOP$100,000.

The “Macao Welcomes You Passport” launched during June-December 2000 promotional period was very successful, with a total of 20,000 passports issued. Given the enthusiastic responses, MGTO has decided to launch again the “Macao Welcomes You Passport” Campaign and maintain the monthly and year end lucky draws.

All tourists who join the “Macao Welcomes You” Passport Campaign during the September-December period are entitled for privileges offered by the designated shops, hotels, restaurants and entertainment spots. Tourists can redeem MOP20.00 coupon for consumption with the chops accumulated and even have the chances to win a whole bunch of valuable prizes only to fill in the lucky draw slip attached and return to the MGTO information counter.

“The Macao Welcomes You” Campaign is a series of tourism promotional activities to enhance the awareness of Macao residents towards tourism industry and the importance of tourism for our region. The whole community is invited to take part to explore more about Macao tourism and to act as friendly, welcoming hosts.

Last year, there were over 12,000 returned lucky draw slip, among all, 86% were tourists from Hong Kong, 5% were from Taiwan and 4% were from Mainland China. This indicates the “Macao Welcomes You” Passport received enthusiastic responses from the Hong Kong tourists. In view of this, MGTO is going to extend the publicity to Hong Kong and showcase the “Macao Welcomes You” Promotional Campaign at the New Century Plaza in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Hong Kong famous anchor Ken Chan Kai Tai and Sarah Lee Lai Yuei will be invited to play games with Hong Kong residents to promoted Macao and it’s major tourism campaign. At the same time, Mr. Ken Chan will be presented with the first “Macao Welcomes You” Passport in Hong Kong.