Region celebrates World Tourism Day

The annual ‘Tray Race’ was one of the day’s highlights

In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has again held its traditional series of events.
Yesterday morning, MGTO officials were present at Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal to personally hand welcome souvenirs to a “Lucky Tourist.”
The “Lucky Tourist” of this year came from Shenzhen to attend a corporate meeting in town and brought along her family from Sichuan for a four-
day vacation in the region.
The annual ‘Tray Race’ was also held in the afternoon of September 27, starting from the Ruins of St Paul’s.
The race attracted around 190 participants, representing some 20 hotels, restaurants and entities in the region.
Many of the contestants were dressed in various costumes and outfits. Each carried their tray with a bottle of beer along the lanes to  Senado Square.
For this year’s theme, “Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility,” the World Tourism Organization encourages destinations globally to create a barrier-free tourism environment that is accessible for all.
MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said that by promoting universal accessibility, various destinations could enjoy greater economic benefits.
With economic and social progress as well as market developments, she looks forward to seeing the local tourism industry grow and provide more accessible, higher quality services for visitors.
“World Tourism Day” has been held annually since 1980 in a bid to promote awareness about the significance of tourism across the international community, especially regarding its social, cultural, political and economic value. Over 100 regions carried out celebrations for the World Tourism Day around the world on the same day. This year’s official celebrations were held in Bangkok, Thailand.