It's taken us three issues to get around to Macau, but it was worth the wait. In January, when Destination PRD launched, it was too soon to be making a noise about Chinaís other Special Administrative Region. In March, when we brought out our Spring issue, it was still too early. As June approached, we couldn't wait any longer. This city of 450,000 residents and 18 million visitors is a story thatís bursting to be told – no longer for its far-off potential, but for what itís got going for itself right now.
Macau has changed in many ways since opening its gaming market in 2002. For one, there are more pale faces walking around in mid-summer heat wearing dark suits. For another, there are even more Filipinos opening hotel doors and waiting on tables. There are more construction sites than a city on the mainland, and more Unesco World Heritage sites than anywhere in the region (25 declared in 2005). But what really takes the cake is that there are restaurants and bars along the waterfront with great harbor views – something Hong Kong has been unable to do as "Asia's World City".
And it's just getting started. Within three years, Macau will be Asiaís premier party town. Hongkongers and visitors to the region wonít have to fly several hours south to escape the rat race. An hour's ferry ride away will be the Cirque du Soleil, more than a dozen hotel-resorts, each with a unique theme (such as The Venetianís gondolas), and a great wining and dining scene, fusing Portuguese, Chinese, and many other cuisines.
Moreover, there is no doubt that Macau will be a generator of growth within the Pearl River Delta, not just within its tiny borders. As we highlight in the Zhuhai section, next-door Hengqin Island is about to see its tourism potential developed. Beaches, golf courses and forests will be a short hop away.
Something else new in this issue, which we hope readers have the time to notice: our website has news and updates translated daily from local media around the PRD. In the meantime, please keep the feedback coming.
Best regards,
Anthony Lawrance
Publisher
