Macau marked yesterday the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) with a raft of events while being geared up for tourists from the mainland during the week-long National Day "Golden Week" holiday.

The government of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) hosted an outdoor flag-raising ceremony and an indoor reception attended by hundreds of senior officials, legislators and representatives from different walks of life to mark the October 1 National Day.

MSAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said in a speech at yesterday's reception that the motherland provides solid support for stability and harmony in Macau, vowing to unswervingly implement the principles of "One Country, Two Systems" and "Patriots Administering Macau."

Against the backdrop of complex changes and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ho stressed the importance of making efforts to continue speeding up Macau's economic recovery and pushing for appropriate economic diversification while working to control the epidemic.

To attract tourists from the mainland during the holiday, Macau has rolled out a host of promotional events, including a fireworks show which took place last night, new interactive devices at the Macau Grand Prix Museum, and community tours.

The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has been promoting the city as a safe tourist destination on social media in the mainland. It has also worked with businesses to offer discounts for hotels and air tickets.

According to official statistics, Macau recorded 37,442 visitor arrivals yesterday, the second highest figure so far this year, after the 41,500 visitor arrivals recorded on April 30, i.e., on the eve of the Labour Day holiday.

Yesterday, Macau's border checkpoints recorded 301,355 entries and exits, according to official statistics.

Retail shops, entertainment venues and restaurants have reported brisk business since yesterday, while hotels have recorded a steep increase in their room occupancy rates.

– Xinhua, MPD

Caption: Thousands of residents and visitors watch last night's fireworks extravaganza off the Macau peninsula in celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC). – Photo: Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka