This was a new record after Macao returned to the motherland three years ago, since daily links between the Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the country's interior became moreand more frequent.

Macao residents flocked to the neighboring Guangdong Province for shopping, sightseeing or leisure-seeking purpose in the two-day Christmas holiday, while streams of tour groups from the country's interior also came to the SAR. Police were seen helping the visitors fill in entry and exit cards and reminding them of the safety of luggage at Gongbei Port.

Local stores cut goods prices and hotels lowered rates to lure customers. Many inlanders were attracted by decorations in the street and joined various Christmas celebrations.

The Macao Government Tourist Office expects the visitor boom inholidays to give another shot in the arm to the city's tourism industry. After welcoming a record of more than ten million tourists last year, Macao's tourism authorities hope the number toexceed 11 million this year.

(Xinhua News Agency December 26, 2002)