Macao marked the annual World Tourism Day by welcoming two specially designated Lucky Tourists and staging the traditional Tray Race.
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.
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong went to the Qingmao border checkpoint in Ilha Verde yesterday morning to present welcome souvenirs to two female tourists from Zhongshan. The Lucky Tourists said they will stay in Macao for three days, mainly for shopping, enjoying food in Rua do Cunha in Taipa and having fun.
MGTO staff handed out souvenirs to visitors at Tourist Information counters throughout the day.
Suspended last year due to Covid-19, 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 and balancing a bottle of Macau Beer on a tray.
Over 131 contestants representing 24 local hotels and restaurants competed in the race. Huang Wenfeng from mainland China on behalf of Hotel Jai Alai won the men’s race, while Lory Ann Pama De La Cruz from the Philippines, representing Galaxy Entertainment Group, was the first woman across the line.
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.
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.
Since 1980, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated 27 September 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, The Macau Post Daily reported.
