travel news review

24 March '99
The unique history and culture of Macau are now on display in the new Macau Cultural Centre, which opened on Friday, 19 March. Previously no permanent venue existed to exhibit artifacts from the diverse Sino-Portugese history of Macau. The Museum of Art of Macau is incorporated into the new building, and will display five floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The modern structure is built behind the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and includes a 1200 seat auditorium for concerts and events, a cinema and a shop.

31 April '98
After reporting losses of more than HK$75 million last year, all direct Air Portugal flights between Lisbon and Macau will be suspended from October 26. Since 1996 Air Portugal has offered two flights per week between Lisbon and Macau.

29 April '98
A violent crime wave in Macau has intensified in recent weeks. Reports of shootings, bombing and racketeering have increased over the past month as a power struggle within the territoryÆs largest criminal gang intensifies. The recent shooting of a prominent gang member was the eighth murder in Macau this year and the fifth in the past month. Macau will be returned to China in December 1999 after more than 400 years as a colony of Portugal. The issue of security in the territory as MacauÆs return to China draws closer was raised in meetings between Portuguese and mainland leaders in Beijing last week.