The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) yesterday organised a string of activities to mark the annual World Tourism Day with the theme of “Rethinking Tourism”, including welcoming two “Lucky Tourists” and its traditional Tray Race, the office said in a statement.
World Tourism Day 2022 was themed “Rethinking Tourism”, with the aim of inspiring the relaunch of tourism, which plays an important role in facilitating global development, and creating opportunities for the tourism sector to grow more sustainably.
MGTO Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong went to the Qingmao border checkpoint in Ilha Verde yesterday morning to present welcome souvenirs to two “Lucky Tourists”. Two female tourists from Zhongshan were the lucky ones this time. According to the statement, both will stay in Macau for three days, mainly for shopping and enjoying food in Rua do Cunha in Taipa and in Cotai, and trying out some “exciting fun”.
In addition, souvenirs were distributed to visitors at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters throughout the day.
Suspended last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the traditional Tray Race resumed this year with the theme of “China fashion outfits”. The race started at the Ruins of St. Paul’s and ended in Largo do Senado, with each contestant dressing in special costumes balancing a bottle of Macau Beer on a tray, and the fastest one who delivered the bottle safely to the finish line won.
Over 131 contestants representing 24 local hotels and restaurants competed in the race this time. The first prize in the male category went to Huang Wenfeng from the mainland on behalf of Hotel Jai Alai, whereas Lory Ann Pama De La Cruz from the Philippines, representing Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), won the first prize in the female category. The Best Costume Awards this year were presented to Alvin Billones Ariate and Vanessa Manapol Flordeliz, both from the Philippines and representing GEG.
A runner in the female category surnamed Wong, who was a first-time contestant, described the Tray Race as “very exciting and enjoyable”, adding that she hoped to compete in the race next year. Wong also expressed gratitude to her company for providing them with nice outfits that fit the theme. She did not identify the company she works for.
A runner in the male category surnamed Li, who has worked in the local catering sector for over four years, said that Tsui Wah Restaurant where he works requires its staff to work in a “fast and good manner and with high quality”, and that he had adopted those criteria for this race. Li said that in which place he finished the race was less important to him.
In line with COVID-19 control measures, all participants were required to present valid negative results of COVID-19 nucleic acid tests (NATs) to gain permission to take part in the activities, the statement noted.
Since 1980, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated September 27 as the annual World Tourism Day with the objective of promoting awareness of the importance of tourism across the world, especially regarding its social, cultural, political and economic significance.
Contestants take part in yesterday’s Tray Race in front of the St. Paul’s Ruins. The race ended in the city’s main square, Largo do Senado. – Photos: Ginnie Liang
