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Macau shares its magic in Manchester OUT & ABOUT
talking shop
AGENTS from across the Manchester area joined the Macau Government Tourist Offi ce for an evening of Macanese food, information and prizes. Here's a fl avour of what they discovered:
THE CHALLENGES
Although only 40 miles from Hong Kong, Macau is something of a 'hidden gem' for UK travellers. Although over 60,000 UK travellers
visit the destination each year, consumer awareness of what's on offer is not always high. Although in recent years it has gained a reputation as 'the Vegas of the East' Macau has much more to offer than its casinos, especially with its unique Portuguese-Chinese culture and world-class food.
THE OPPORTUNITIES
Macau comprises a peninsula and the islands of Taipa – linked to Macau by three bridges - and Coloane. Between them they have a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic
Centre, exciting attractions and entertainment, pretty countryside and beaches. It is a great
complementary
destination when sold in combination with a Hong Kong stay, or works well
as part of a multi-stop Asian itinerary. Just a short, effi cient ferry ride from Hong Kong International Airport, Macau is also a great alternative to the more well-known stopovers used by those en route to Australasia.
No vaccinations or visas are required from the UK and tourist attractions, getting around and eating out are all reasonably priced. This is a safe and well-developed destination with good infrastructure, wide choice of accommodation and interesting sightseeing. Macau is ideally suited to a
two- or three-night itinerary as it is relatively compact and easy to explore.
KEY SELLING POINTS Stress the diversity of this destination and just how different it is. A rare mix of Portuguese infl uences and Chinese culture, it offers lots to see and do and has something of a Southern European atmosphere which makes it different from neighbouring Hong Kong. In 2005 Macau received UNESCO
World Heritage status for its Historic Centre and this is a great place from which to start exploring. Here, over 20 churches, museums and unique buildings are preserved including the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's. Alongside the old, sits modern and effi cient tourism infrastructure ranging from fi ve-star luxury to
sellingtravel.co.uk
quirky pousadas full of character. The most iconic landmark is the Macau Tower from where adrenaline junkies can experience the highest bungy jump in the world or get harnessed up for a Skywalk thrill around the edge. There is even the option of a
night-time bungy jump. Alternatively, dinner in the revolving restaurant might better suit the less daring. Food in Macau is a top attraction from the traditional custard tarts and street food to lavish Michelin- star restaurants. Macanese cuisine is a fusion of Chinese, Portuguese, African, Indian, South American and South East Asian fl avours, as a result of the Portuguese explorers' trading routes. By night, Macau’s vibrant nightlife includes cool clubs, rooftop bars and glitzy casinos. Recommend the spectacular House
of Dancing Water too (created by Franco Dragone, previously Creative Director of Cirque du Soleil). It is a lavish show of acrobatics on water. Booking in advance is essential. Macau is a very events-driven destination so hook sales on its busy calendar. From the annual Formula 3 Grand Prix street circuit (which
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