Yesterday’s World Tourism Day, which takes place annually on September 27, was themed “Tourism and Rural Development” this year, and the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) organised a string of activities to mark the occasion for residents and visitors alike, including its traditional Tray Race, the office said in a statement.
MGTO’s Acting Director Ricky Hoi Io Meng went to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal in the morning to present welcome souvenirs to two “Lucky Tourists” – an annual event. A couple from Shenzhen were the lucky ones this time. According to the statement, both will stay in Macau for three days, mainly for shopping and sightseeing in Cotai. In addition, souvenirs were distributed to visitors at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters throughout the day.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes was unable to attend yesterday’s activities as she was heading a Macau tourism promotion event in Beijing.
The traditional Tray Race kicked-off in the afternoon. Each balancing a bottle of Macau Beer on the tray, all contestants in their very own costumes set off from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, ran down the lanes through the Historic Centre of Macau, aiming to deliver the beer bottles safely to the finish line in Largo do Senado as fast as they could.
Over 90 contestants representing 20 local hotels and restaurants participated in the race this time. The first prize in the male category went to Garcia Rhoderick Robledo on behalf of the Venetian in Cotai, whereas Liang Lina, also from the Venetian, won the first prize in the female category. The Best Costume Awards of this year were presented to Cheong Chi and Xian Ling both representing Future Bright Group, the statement said.
In line with pandemic control measures, all contestants and performers were required to present valid negative results of COVID-19 nucleic acid tests (NATs) to gain permission to participate 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 yesterday. The race ended at the city’s main square, Largo do Senado. – Xinhua
