STORY: Macao sees surge in tourism
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 17, 2024
DATELINE: Dec. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:17
LOCATION: MACAO, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Macao
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WU YONGWEI, President of Macao Tourist Guide Association
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI XI, Executive associate dean, Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macao
4. various of Macao

STORYLINE:

With its growing global reputation, Macao has seen a surge in visitors. By December 7, the city had welcomed over 32 million tourists -- a 26 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WU YONGWEI, President of Macao Tourist Guide Association
"Macao boasts a unique charm, blending Chinese and Western cultures, and is renowned as a 'city of gastronomy.' Leveraging its growing appeal, Macao attracts not only visitors from the Chinese mainland but also from around the world, particularly Southeast Asia, with significant growth observed this year."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI XI, Executive associate dean, Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macao
"Macao has established itself as a world center of tourism and leisure, boasting rich and diverse cultures."

In 2017, Macao was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. More recently, in June 2024, the city was designated as a Culture City of East Asia by a trilateral program involving China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Macao's 2023 Yearbook of Statistics reported over 55,000 public performances and cultural exhibitions, a significant increase from the approximately 38,000 in 2013.

Macao is host to many large-scale exhibitions and conventions. Last year, readers of M&C Asia magazine awarded Macao the title of "Best Convention City (Asia) 2023."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Macao, China.
(XHTV)