MACAU Macau, all of 23.5 sq.kms. with more or less half a million
population, floats off the South China Sea. This made the territory a
favorite post of European traders, especially the Portuguese, who
would later settle here on a friendly alliance, that is, without
intimidation.
Take note, that Macau uniquely stands out as the only Asian country which
accommodated foreigners on amicable terms. That Macau was never invaded
nor taken by force. Thus, it is fittingly dubbed as a Chinese territory under
Portuguese administration.
Macau has been enjoying its flourishing years immensely under Portugals
custody. The Portuguese has been flying their flag on the peninsula since the
15th century. Since then, the area has become a melting pot that has
exquisitely evolved into what is now known as the Macanese culture.
In 1987, however, China and Portugal concluded a bargain that after 12
more years, Portugal will hand-over back its rule of Macau to China. And that
is by the end of this year.
Macau will then usher the millennium under the trust of its mother mainland.
This will make Macau another Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China,
just like Hong Kong.
With Macau as a burgeoning tourist destination, China stands to benefit all
the more. Most of Macaus basic needs are being brought from China. This
means unquantifiable revenues for the mainland.
Market-wise, Macaus next-door-neighbors include Taiwan, Philippines, and
Vietnam. Its not-so-far Asian prospects are Korea, Japan, Thailand, Burma,
Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
As the old millennium closes in, Macau continues to grow geographically.
Every year, it reclaims land from the sea to accommodate more projects for
self-sufficiency. Just like Hong Kong, Macau aims to fully develop its tourism
potentials by tapping more open areas to become manmade tourist
attractions.
Macau has been trying to shed its unwanted image as the Las Vegas of Asia
because of its many casinos and racetracks. It even has a racetrack for dogs
called Canidrome. Realizing its vast inherent assets, foremostly its strategic
location, the diminutive territory braces itself to become one of Asias best
business and recreation ventures of the 21st century.
With vigorous sales blitzes headed by the Macau Government Tourist Office
(MGTO), Macau is also capitalizing on its clout as a haven for the evergrowing
incentive travel market. In fact, the global incentive travel industry has set its
sights on Macau as a strong contender in the region.
|
