Summer 2016 has got off to an exciting start in Macao, as it hit the big screen this month in 'Now You See Me 2', and opened a new waterfront entertainment hub for visitors. It doesn't stop there though, with a number of new luxury hotel openings and a variety of events also scheduled for this summer, including the 'Wushu Masters Challenge' and 28th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, which will see UK team 'Pyro 2000' compete in one of the world's largest and best shows of its kind.

IN THE HEADLINES

• Macao hits the big screen in 'Now You See Me 2'
• New entertainment hub: Anim' Arte NAM VAN
• Macao will become the 'wushu' centre of the world in August
• Over 160 butterflies fly into Macao!
• Hotel update: Luxury hotels opening soon…
• Event calendar: When in Macao, don't miss…

WHAT'S NEW

Macao hits the big screen in 'Now You See Me 2'

Cinemagoers can experience the wonders of Macao on the big screen with the highly anticipated film 'Now You See Me 2', currently in cinemas. The star studded cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Daniel Radcliffe and Lizzy Caplan, are taking their magic to new heights in Macao as the master magicians known as 'The Four Horsemen' return for their most daring and astounding heist ever. The new film, a follow up to the 2013 box office hit, also sees the film's stars visiting a variety of Macao's attractions, from its vibrant nightlife spots to its old streets and traditional shops.

Macao's fascinating mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures was one of the main reasons the crew decided to shoot in Macao. “From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to take the 'Horsemen' to a place where mystery and magic are woven into the history,” film director Jon M. Chu said. “Macao is an exotic, beautiful, strange mix of Portuguese architecture and Chinese culture. Everywhere you point the camera is gorgeous,” he added. Watch the full trailer here.

New entertainment hub: Anim' Arte NAM VAN

Nam Van Lakeside Plaza has recently been transformed into an exciting new waterfront leisure hub called “Anim'Arte NAM VAN”. Visitors to Macao will be able to enjoy a host of entertaining new options including a craft market, arts pavilion, puppet making, graffiti displays, a café and a variety of weekend performances – from Portuguese Fado and jazz music shows to face painting and clown acts – promising great fun for all the family.

Furthermore, those looking for a refreshing activity for the summer months are able to take to the water on the brand new pedal boats. For less than £1 per person, visitors can enjoy a 30-minute leisurely ride on the 2-seat and 4-seat boats while enjoying the views of Macao from Nam Van Lake. For more information, click here.

Macao will become the 'wushu' centre of the world in August

Macao is gearing up to host the Wushu Masters Challenge – an event solely dedicated to traditional wushu (Chinese martial arts). From 11th to 14th August, the greatest wushu heroes from all over the world will show visitors the techniques and movements of this full-contact sport, which is considered as part of China's traditional cultural heritage. The four-day sport extravaganza, taking place in multiple locations across Macao, will feature a variety of activities, from traditional wushu performances and teaching to forums and exciting competitions. For more information, click here.

Over 160 butterflies fly into Macao!

MGM Macau has welcomed more than 160 Monarch and Morpho butterflies to its Grande Praça. Made in synthetic glass and hovering over Laurel trees, the butterflies were designed by US visual display artist Stephen Stefanou, the man also behind the square's 8-metre tall cylindrical aquarium. Named as 'Butterfly Garden', the installation replaces the 'Valkyrie Octopus' (by Joana Vasconcelos) which arrived at the hotel in 2015. The 'Butterfly Garden' is part of the “MGM Fun for Everyone” campaign which also includes a sculpture exhibition by legendary French artist Edgar Degas. For more information, click here.

HOTEL UPDATE

Luxury hotels opening soon…

Five new exciting luxury hotels are due to open their doors before the end of this year*:

• Wynn Palace: Featuring a 7-acre performance lake; 200,000 square feet of retail space; and a cable car transport system to carry customers to the 1,706 room hotel.

• Roosevelt Macau Hotel: Set in a 12-story tower, it will feature 373 rooms and suites, a private open-air swimming pool for pool parties and a Jin Yue Xuan Japanese restaurant.

• The 13: An ultra-luxury property with 200 exclusive villas featuring private lift to the lobby, 24-hour butler service and complimentary transfers in Rolls-Royce Phantoms.

• The Parisian Macao: Together with authentically recreated Paris boutiques and cafés, this property will also feature a half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower with two observation decks.

• Legend Palace Hotel: Styled around a medieval Central/Northern Asian theme, this five-star deluxe property will feature 223 rooms plus bars, restaurants and leisure facilities.

*Dates and some details are based on latest information supplied by third parties, which has been updated as of July 2016. As the information may be subject to change, we recommend that you verify the latest details with the companies concerned prior to use.

EVENT CALENDAR: WHEN IN MACAO, DON'T MISS…

Shrek, The Musical

22nd July – 7th August 2016

The sung story of the world's favourite ogre is coming to Macao this summer with Shrek, The Musical. Based on the book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori, this smash hit Broadway musical is arriving at The Venetian at the end of July as part of its first ever international tour. As well as an ogre, expect to see donkeys, villains, dragons and, of course, Princess Fiona. www.venetianmacao.com

'Summer Love Pool Party' series

20th August 2016 

Party-goers who missed Paris Hilton and R3hab performing at Pacha Macau at the first two events of the 'Summer Love Pool Party' series still have the chance to attend the third and last show. Dutch DJ Ferry Corsten will play the latest electro beats at the club's outdoor pool on 20th August. Revellers will be also able to access the 'Pacha After Party' to continue dancing after the 8-hour revelry. www.studiocity-macau.com

Blue Man Group in Macao

11th – 28th August 2016

The renowned trio of bald and blue performers is visiting The Venetian Macao this summer as part of their latest worldwide tour. Born of the creative urge to explore and celebrate humankind, 'Blue Man Group in Macao' is a spectacular show which combines science, comedy, music and vibrant visual effects. The acclaimed stage show will provide a fully immersive experience which will wow audiences from the very first minute! www.venetianmacao.com

28th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest

3th, 10th, 15th, 24th September and 1st October 2016

Considered one of the world's largest and best shows of its kind, the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will once again light up the night sky of Macao in a blaze of colour this September and October. A total of ten teams from around the world – including the Pyro 2000 team from the UK – will demonstrate their repertoire of pyrotechnics and wow the crowds gathered near Nam Van Lake. http://fireworks.macautourism.gov.mo/

Mid-Autumn Festival

15th September 2016

Held on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar – full moon – the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates abundance and togetherness. As one of the most-celebrated festivities in Chinese culture, the event is a great chance to bring families together as they eat mooncakes – pastries filled with sweet lotus paste – and view the hundreds of colourful lanterns hanging from trees and buildings. The festival is also known as 'Mooncake Festival' and 'Lantern Festival.'

63rd Macau Grand Prix

17th – 20th November 2016

Macao is already gearing up to host the 63rd edition of the Macau Grand Prix – one of its most anticipated events. During the four days of the Grand Prix, the best motorcycle, WTCC and Formula 3 racers in the world compete on the twisting Guia Circuit, one of the most challenging street circuits in the world.   The final day represents the climax of the Formula 3 calendar and, last year, British drivers Alexander Sims and Sam McLeod claimed the third and fourth positions. Will a fellow Brit win this year's race? www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/cgpm/

Keep up to date with all the latest news and information about Macao on Facebook www.facebook.com/MacaoUK, Twitter www.twitter.com/MacaoUK, Instagram  www.instagram.com/MacaoUK or visit www.macaotourism.gov.mo.

-ENDS-

For further media information and images contact:

Enrique Martin or Cliona Keane
Macao Government Tourism Office – UK & Ireland Representatives

E: enrique@humewhitehead.co.uk / cliona@humewhitehead.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 845 498 9984 / 9985

About Macao:

Located just 40 miles from Hong Kong on China's South coast, Macao continues to surprise and thrill visitors with an ever-evolving hotel, restaurant, shopping and entertainment scene, whilst retaining its unique Portuguese influences inherent in its culture, architecture, events and fusion cuisine. Chosen as one of the top 10 regions for travel in 2015 in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2015, Macao packs a lot into its 11 square miles with an abundance of historical buildings, beaches, gardens, museums, spas, shopping malls, dazzling shows and activities ranging from golf to bungee jumping. A Special Administrative Region of China since 1999, Macao blends the best of the past with new and is fast becoming one of the most Asia's most intriguing destinations.

About the Macao Government Tourism Office:

The Macao Government Tourism Office is the tourism development arm of the government of the Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region) dedicated to promoting Macao as a preferred destination and co-ordinating related activities and services within the local tourism industry. www.macaotourism.gov.mo