Macao Special Administration Region of China has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Nearly half a million tourists visited Macao during the past National Day "golden week," an increase of 13.7 percent compared to last year, setting a new record.

Official statistics show from October 1 to 7, 492,500 visitors arrived in Macao. The number of visitors from the Chinese mainland stood at over 294,000, accounting for 60% of the total, 4.25% more than that in 2005.

Accordingly, hotel occupancy rose by 17%. The average lodging price grew to 807.5 patacas, or about US$101, an increase of 23.32 compared to last year.

(CRI October 12, 2006)